Blake Snell Rumors: Padres looking to reunite with former Cy Young winner in offseason, per MLB Insider 

Blake Snell will likely opt out of his two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants at the end of this season. MLB Insider Jon Heyman speculated that the ace pitcher might be pursued by his former team, the San Diego Padres.

The NL West club has been one of the best in recent weeks, having a 20-10 record in their last 30 games. They were active during the trade deadline, acquiring the likes of Tanner Scott to strengthen their pitching staff. However, they couldn't get a solid starter that could complement Dylan Cease in the rotation.

This is where the Padres are likely to go for Blake Snell, who won his second Cy Young award with the team last year. After a lengthy free agency during the offseason, there were no breakthroughs between both parties as Snell instead signed with the Giants on a two-year, $62 million deal.

Part of this contract is an opt-out clause at the end of the first year. Heyman also reported that it is almost certain that Snell will not exercise his player option and instead head into consecutive free agencies. Especially after returning to top form since July, having earned just five runs in his last seven starts, including a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds.

Heyman added that the Padres "love Blake Snell and could play for him this winter".

Will San Francisco Giants waive Blake Snell ahead of the deadline?

Blake Snell stayed put in San Francisco after several teams, including the Padres and their rivals Los Angeles Dodgers, inquired about a possible trade. It was expected that the Giants wouldn't let go of their newly acquired pitcher because they had already paid $17 million in signing bonuses for bringing him into the roster.

Thus, if the Giants were to waive him right now ahead of the offseason, then they wouldn't be benefitting from a strong prospects package from any team that Snell signs with. Their best-case scenario could be to convince him to not opt out of his contract and instead lead the rotation in 2025.