Blake Snell Trade Rumors: Orioles could make surprise move for 2023 Cy Young winner after Zach Eflin deal, per insider
Blake Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young Award holder, could be headed to the Baltimore Orioles in the next couple of days. The reigning American League East leaders are looking to bolster their starting rotation as they prepare for the postseason, adding Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday evening.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Orioles are keen to add another starting pitcher before the trade deadline ends on July 30. He believes they are open to adding another starter as a rental, which makes Blake Snell a probable target, especially as he pitches with his left hand.
The Baltimore Orioles have been among the top teams in the MLB this season, largely due to their outstanding offensive production. The Orioles have hardly managed to hold their first-choice starting rotation this season, with Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells, currently on the 60-day IL. Therefore, adding some high-quality starting pitchers is their foremost requirement at the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, Blake Snell was an unsigned free agent at spring training this year before he took a two-year, $62 million deal for the San Francisco Giants, with an opt-out clause at the end of the season.
Snell had an unimpressive first half to 2024 campaign but has performed well over the past month, notching up 15 strikeouts from six innings against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.
"After acquiring Zach Eflin, who is under contract for next season at $18 million, the Orioles are not opposed to acquiring a rental starter. Teams view Snell as likely to opt out after this season, as long as he is healthy," Ken Rosenthal said.
Despite his brilliant performance on Saturday night, Snell has been a long way off his best this season with a 5.10 ERA and 1.3 WHIP.
Adding Blake Snell will solidify the Orioles rotation for the playoffs
At the moment, the Baltimore Orioles are destined for a second straight postseason appearance if they continue to perform in the manner they have done so far this year. They have a 61-42 record for the season, with a four and a half-game advantage over the team occupying the final Wild Card spot in the American League.
Having acquired Zach Eflin, the Orioles could further solidify their starting rotation for the playoffs by bringing in Blake Snell at this trade deadline. In Corbin Burnes, they already have a bonafide ace who's the leading candidate to win the AL Cy Young Award this year. Meanwhile, Grayson Rodriguez is one of the best young pitchers in the MLB.
If the Orioles end up with a starting rotation of Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Blake Snell and Zach Eflin to add to their stellar line-up, they could be an unstoppable force in the postseason.