"I don't think I needed it" - Struggling Giants ace Blake Snell shunned minor league assignment after long offseason free agency 

For pitching ace Blake Snell, free agency lasted far longer than virtually anyone expected. Overall, it was nearly five months between his declaration of free agency and the finalization of his deal with the Giants.

While many attributed Snell's long period as a free agency as a strategy to hold out for his ideal contract, the 31-year old eventually settled on a one-year, $32 million deal. Despite high hopes for the defending Cy Young winner, Blake Snell has been showing signs of rustiness.

"Blake Snell has an 11.57 ERA in three starts as a Giant" - Talkin' Baseball

On Sunday, Snell made his third start of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Having surrendered 10 earned runs over his past seven innings, Snell was keen to put forth a solid performance. Unfortunately for the Giants, Snell coughed up five earned runs in 4.2 innings, losing the game for his club and saddling him with an ERA of 11.57.

In a recent piece for USA Today, analyst Bob Nightengale caught up with Snell after the loss in Arizona. When Nightengale floated the idea that Snell could have began the season in the minors to warm up after his extra-long offseason, the left-hander admitted that he shut it down:

"It was definitely an option, but I don't think I needed it."

As a member of the San Diego Padres last year, Snell was nothing short of dominant. Apart from going 14-9, Snell's 2.25 ERA led the league among starters. As such, the Washington-native was given the second Cy Young Award of his career.

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Blake Snell continues to keep his eye on bigger picture

When the San Francisco Giants agreed to terms with Blake Snell, GM Pete Putila knew that they weren't just buying his arms but also his years of experience pitching at the top level.

Following his disappointing start in Arizona, Snell presented an optimistic image to the media, with MLB.com quoting Snell as saying:

“I’ll find ways to get better and be the best me. I don’t get too worried about the three games that I have had because I know that I’m better.”

Despite Snell's sunny words, the Giants are continuing to lose ground in the NL West. If their rotational juggernauts like Snell cannot turn things around quickly, there's a good chance that the team will only witness a further slide down the standings.