Reigning Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is giving Seattle Mariners fans a healthy dose of hope this week.

The free agent pitcher has been making the rounds in his hometown recently, starting with a visit to the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium on Wednesday. The next day, Snell made an even more public appearance that has drawn plenty of chatter.

Snell was the Seattle Seahawks’ guest of honor for their game against the San Francisco 49ers, earning the privilege of raising the 12th Man flag prior to kickoff.

Naturally, fans were abuzz about the Mariners potentially signing Snell, who spent the past three seasons with the San Diego Padres. Before that, Snell was with the Tampa Bay Rays for five years.

According to a report earlier this month by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Snell was hoping to sign with Seattle, but the Philadelphia Phillies were the team most likely to entice him. Since then, however, the Phillies brought back Aaron Nola, opening the door for the Mariners and others to potentially acquire Snell.

With a 14-9 record, 2.25 ERA, 1.189 WHIP, 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings, and 6.0 WAR at the end of 2023, Snell earned his second career Cy Young award this autumn. Snell has a career record of 71-55, a 1.235 WHIP, a 3.20 ERA, 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 21.1 WAR.

The left-hander, who will turn 31 on December 4, was raised in Shoreline, Washington. Snell attended high school 13 miles away from T-Mobile Park, the home field where he might play if he decides to sign with the Mariners.

It is unclear what Snell is specifically looking for in his next contract, or whether Seattle is willing to give him a big-time payday. According to Spotrac, Snell’s market value has him in line for a six-year, $144 million deal.