Padres Rumors: Blake Snell bombshell trade buzz could put San Diego over the top

Could last year's Cy Young Award winner be on his way back to San Diego? If you believe the latest Padres rumors, he certainly could be. With the San Francisco Giants struggling to stay afloat in the race for the NL Wild Card, it's being reported that Blake Snell could be available at the MLB trade deadline. Perhaps an even juicier rumor, however, is the Padres' interest in their former pitcher.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Padres are one of at least six teams who've checked in with the Giants. Others in the Snell sweepstakes include the New York Yankees and Houston Astros.

Padres Rumors: San Diego pondering reunion with Blake Snell at MLB trade deadline

Snell is familiar with the Padres and vice versa. The left-hander was part of the Padres organization for three seasons and put up solid numbers across the board while pitching in San Diego. After leaving during free agency last season, Snell found it tough to find a landing spot. Expecting a big pay day, Snell settled for a two-year, $62 million deal with San Fran.

There is a catch, however, and it could be a deterrent for a number of contenders at the trade deadline. Snell has the ability to opt out of the second year of his deal and re-enter free agency this offseason. If the Friars don't receive assurance that the southpaw will be back in 2025, it's hard to see them making that trade — or it'll greatly affect the return the Giants will receive.

Snell has struggled this season. The veteran owns a 5.10 ERA in 47.2 innings of work. But after missing spring training and struggling with early-season injuries, Snell's performance of late will remind the Friar faithful of his time in San Diego. Over his last four starts, Snell has allowed just two earned runs on eight hits while striking out 30 batters in 24 innings. Opposing hitters have a .104 average and Snell owns a 0.75 ERA during that stretch.

With San Diego's chances of securing a pitcher like Garrett Crochet slipping away, turning to known commodity like Snell might make a ton of sense. The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Padres still need to upgrade their rotation. Will Snell be the big splash that Pads fans are expecting AJ Preller and Co. to pull off before Tuesday's deadline?

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