Blake Snell, the Giants’ left-handed pitcher, may be available for trade before the deadline. The Yankees, Padres, and Cubs have already been linked to him in trade rumors, and the Orioles might now be in the mix. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post on X, the Orioles are aiming high at the deadline thanks to their new owner and strong farm system.
Historically, the Orioles have been cautious with their spending, with their largest contract since April 2018 being a $13MM deal for Craig Kimbrel. They have only issued multi-year deals to John Means and Félix Bautista, who were already under control but recovering from Tommy John surgeries.
While their minimal spending was understandable during their rebuilding phase, it has persisted into their current competitive window. However, with David Rubenstein’s purchase of the team, there are indications that spending might increase. Though the Orioles had a relatively modest offseason, they have shown a willingness to take on some salary. They recently acquired Zach Eflin from the Rays, who is owed about $3.8MM of his $11MM salary this year and $18MM next year. They also acquired Seranthony Dominguez from the Phillies, who is earning $4.25MM this year with an $8MM option for next year.
Trading for Snell would be risky due to his opt-out clause, but the Orioles are in a position to take such risks. As noted by MLBTR’s Anthony Franco, teams are generally reluctant to trade for players with opt-out clauses, as they can become rentals if the player performs well and opts out, or a financial burden if they underperform or get injured.
The Orioles entered this year with minimal commitments for 2025 and beyond, with only $1MM owed to Bautista and new obligations from Eflin’s $18MM. Snell’s contract with the Giants includes a $15MM salary and a $17MM signing bonus, but the bonus is reportedly not transferable in a trade. He also has a $30MM player option for next year.
Snell’s performance has been inconsistent. Despite winning two Cy Young awards, his career has included periods of struggle. His 2024 season began poorly, but he has been dominant recently, with a 9.51 ERA improving to only two earned runs in 24 innings over his last four starts.
The Giants, currently under .500 at 53-55, are not far behind in the playoff race but may consider selling to recoup prospects and free up payroll. Trading Snell could allow them to clear $30MM off next year’s payroll and reinvest in the team, although it could also hurt their chances in 2024. They have other rotation options in Logan Webb, Kyle Harrison, Robbie Ray, and Alex Cobb, along with promising young starters like Mason Black and Hayden Birdsong.
While Snell’s talent will attract interest, his player option could dampen offers, particularly from teams concerned about competitive balance tax issues, like the Yankees, Padres, and Cubs. The Orioles, with their financial flexibility and strong farm system, could be an ideal fit. The trade deadline is Tuesday at 5pm Central.
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