Padres rumors: MLB insider says Blake Snell could be fit for Orioles

The San Diego Padres are having a difficult month and were nearly swept in four-game series against the Rockies. With the trade deadline coming up in a couple of weeks, the Padres should consider a reported Blake Snell trade to the Baltimore Orioles (credit to MLB Trade Rumors) to create financial room to fix some weaknesses.

Snell is earning $12.5 million this year and is under contract at $16 million in 2023 with additional incentives based on Cy Young voting, per Cot’s Contracts.

He is severely underperforming this season. So far he has posted an ERA of 5.22, batting average against of .228 and WHIP of 1.48. This is the worst season of his career.

The Padres don’t need much help on the mound. Several starters are posting good numbers. Joe Musgrove, in particular, is having a great season with an ERA of 2.42, BAA of .205 and WHIP of 0.97. Yu Darvish is slightly behind Musgrove with an ERA of 2.42, BAA of .215 and WHIP of 0.99.

Snell isn’t doing much for the team, so trading him to the Orioles would be a wise idea if the Padres can get beneficial players in return.

The Padres could benefit from trading Blake Snell with the right players in return

San Diego could use the most help in the outfield, which was reportedly an area of concern before the season even started (according to MLB Trade Rumors). If the Orioles can trade one of their better outfielders, such as Cedric Mullins II, Austin Hays or Anthony Santander, the Padres would be in a better spot.

Santander would be the most ideal target. He’s one of the best hitters for the Orioles and is the home run leader (15). He has the fifth-best batting average (.242), second-best on-base percentage (.328), third-best slugging percentage (.424) and fourth-best OPS (.752). He also has the fourth-best isolated power (.182), which is an area where the Padres are lacking.

FanSided’s Orioles site, Birds Watcher, suggested Santander could be traded as well.

"(The) Baltimore Orioles have a lot of depth coming up threw the Minor League system. With the likes of Yusniel Diaz, Kyle Stowers, Colton Cowser, Robert Neustrom, and others, there will eventually be a blockage somewhere in the line."

Santander would line up well with Jurickson Profar, who is currently one of the best and most consistent outfielders in San Diego. Profar is hitting .242/.343/.397 this season and, out of all regular starters, has the best strikeout and walk percentages (14.4 and 12.7, respectively).

Snell isn’t as needed as another good outfielder, so if the Orioles can provide one in return, he’d be a great trade option.