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Blake Snell Trade Rumors: Dodgers Had Interest At Deadline

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Aug 2, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell (7) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Snell was among the more prominent free agents who endured a peculiar offseason that didn’t end until the middle of March when he signed a two-year, $62 million contract.

Not joining a team until well into Spring Training delayed Snell’s start to the 2024 season. He made just three starts before going on the 15-day injured list because of a left adductor strain.

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner then spent time on the paternity list in May and suffered a strained left groin in early June. Snell missed one month before returning and becoming a trade chip candidate at the deadline.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers were among the teams that inquired with the Giants on a potential Snell trade, and teams were met with an asking price of taking on his contract while parting with a top-100 prospect:

Teams did have the impression the Giants considered dealing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, and the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Orioles, Cubs and Rangers checked in.

Sources say the Giants wanted a top-100 prospect and for the acquiring team to take responsibility for the contract, which included a $30 million 2025 player option.

Dependent on publication, Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula and River Ryan qualify as a top-100 Dodgers prospect. Rushing reportedly was coveted by the Chicago White Sox in a Garrett Crochet trade, but the Dodgers were not willing to part with the young catcher or other notable prospects in their farm system.

Further complicating matters for the Dodgers, and presumably other teams, is the likelihood of Snell only being a rental for this season. The left-hander struggled initially but seemingly turned a corner in July. Last Friday, Snell threw the first no-hitter of his career.

Even with the high asking price, that the Dodgers would have some level of interest in a trade for the 31-year-old is not much of a surprise. They reportedly made a late effort to sign Snell before he joined the rival Giants.

Blake Snell’s contract

Snell’s contract with the Giants included a $17 million signing bonus, $15 million salary for this year and an opt-out clause after the 2024 season. However, Snell’s signing bonus is not owed until Jan. 15, 2026.

If Snell exercises his player option to remain with the Giants for 2025 — an unlikely scenario at this time — he’ll earn $30 million next season. But of that amount, $15 million will be deferred and paid July 1, 2027.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com