A FanSided Mock Trade: Mariners and Padres Make Shocking Trade

The Mariners “Snell” an Opportunity

This is a challenge trade, so what are the Mariners getting in Blake Snell? To most, Snell has become a shell of his former self. The Seattle, Washington native is a former Cy Young winner and has shown up in big moments in the playoffs. Most notably was his final game as a Tampa Bay Ray, when he was pulled early in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series, which clearly played a huge role in Tampa losing the game.

After the World Series debacle, Snell was traded to the San Diego Padres as he has truly struggled to be the ace he was once before. With an ERA in the mid 4’s, and an ERA+ of 88 in his two Padre years, his future on a team is up in the air. San Diego is hoping to not just get to the playoffs, but go deep, and they can’t rely on Snell. So why in the world would Seattle want him?

I believe that Snell can be fixed, and can be far more valuable to Seattle. First off, fixing Blake Snell. A change of scenery can do wonders, especially when a kid comes home. Snell leaving a place where he’s experienced little success, for a homecoming where he’d instantly be a fan favorite? That’s a positive culture shock.

As for on the field, Blake has a clear problem that he’s struggled to shake, his command of the strike zone. During this season, hitters are batting a whopping .480 when he falls behind hitters, and a dominant .118 when he’s ahead of them. I believe the Cy Young talent is still there. Can Pete Woodworth get Snell in a position to dominate the zone? If so, the Mariners could have something really special, like a true top-of-the-rotation starter with World Series experience.