Report: Tampa Bay Rays “Open” to Trading Blake Snell

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Tampa Bay Rays are considering trading one of their rotational stalwarts and 2018 American League Cy Young Award winner, Blake Snell.

Via the source article:

“According to multiple sources, the Rays have told other clubs that they’re open to the idea of trading Blake Snell, presenting a realistic possibility that a deal could be consummated this offseason.

A source noted that Tampa Bay is not actively shopping Snell, who has three years and $39 million remaining on his five-year, $50 million extension, but given the financial losses the Rays endured during the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, trading the 27-year-old represents the club’s best chance to create some much-needed flexibility.”

Snell, 27, pitched to a 3.24 ERA (4.35 FIP) with 63 strikeouts, 18 walks, and 1.20 WHIP over 11 starts for the AL champion Rays in 2020 — a nice bounce-back from his injury-plagued 2019 (broken toe in April, elbow surgery to remove “loose bodies” in July; 4.35 ERA in 23 starts) but a far cry from his award-winning campaign two seasons ago.

The New York Mets, short a top-three starter in the absence of rehabbing right-hander Noah Syndergaard, would appear to be a logical suitor if interested.

We’ll keep you posted with more information as it becomes available.