Top 5 teams that should consider acquiring Blake Snell as MLB trade deadline nears

Blake Snell, coming off a Cy Young winning year, has pitched anything but close to a Cy Young level this season, pitching to a 5.83 ERA on a 1.37 WHIP and going 0-3. His performances have led to many analysts expecting the San Francisco Giants to trade him and get the best out of his deal.

However, it is an opportunity for other teams at the trade deadline to bolster their rotation by trading for Snell (if available), who has peaked in his last three starts. Let's take a look at teams that could use his services for the second half of the season.

5 teams best suited to acquire Blake Snell before trade deadline

#5. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are desperate to win the World Series this year. They'd want to reunite with a pitcher who has the caliber to provide them with better odds in the postseason.

However, there may be some bad taste for both parties given that the Yankees made an underwhelming offer to free agent Snell in the offseason. But it's in the hands of the Giants who'd likely save on money by trading him out while also making good on draft picks and compensatory one as well.

#4. Baltimore Orioles

Another AL East team that may be interested in acquiring Snell should be the Baltimore Orioles. Though they were previously in top contention to acquire him following their trade for Zach Eflin, now it seems a little less likely.

However, they were reportedly on the hunt for Tarik Skubal, so a shift to Snell is not all that unlikely.

#3. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers notably traded away veteran hurler James Paxton to get a more promising starter at the trade deadline. If their hunt for Tarik Skubal or any other top-tier starter goes in vain, Blake Snell is a good option to fall back on.

The Dodgers were also the prime candidates in the offseason to sign Snell but they instead went after Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Well it might still not be too late for them to consider Blake Snell.

#2. New York Mets

There has been no better team to turn around their season other than the New York Mets. After a rough start in the first two months, the Mets have been on a roll in the past two months. This now puts them in contention of earning a Wild Card berth as they are currently placed second in the NL East with a 55-48 record.

The return of Kodai Senga would further elevate their hopes of clinging to a playoff spot. Meanwhile, a trade for Snell could elevate them to even World Series contenders.

Salary should not be an issue with owner Steve Cohen, who is known to splurge big for the right players. If they are seriously interested, then they can offload a major part of Blake Snell's salary to the Giants, which the Bay Area team would be happy to do as well.

#1. Houston Astros

Another team that has shone even brighter following a dismal start to the season is the Houston Astros. After sweeping the floor with the LA Angels at the start of the season, the Astros are back at what they have been doing for the past six years: conquering the AL East division (except 2020).

Now, in order to continue their hot streak, adding a two-time Cy Young winner in Blake Snell will further help them create a difference in their division battle with the Seattle Mariners. They are short in terms of prospects but they have Mauricio Dubon to compensate for that. The Giants, who are without Jung Hoo Lee for time being, could use Dubon in the outfield.

Do you think Blake Snell will be traded? And if yes, which team? Share your thoughts in comments section