Dodgers should use all of their trade capital on Blake Snell if Rays move him

The Dodgers should be first in line if the Rays are willing to trade Blake Snell.

Based on all the offseason trade rumors we’ve heard surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers, it seems like Andrew Friedman is going for the jugular in some way. The World Series champs have been linked to Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant in some capacity. We’re sure there are other players they’re considering, but those are three All-Stars right there.

How about we add a fourth? Tampa Bay Rays starter Blake Snell. Does that sound good to you?

According to the latest buzz, there’s a chance the former Cy Young winner gets moved. If that’s the case, the Dodgers need to empty the clip to acquire him.

“According to multiple sources, the Rays have told other clubs that they’re open to the idea of trading Blake Snell, presenting a realistic possibility that a deal could be consummated this offseason,” writes Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.“A source noted that Tampa Bay is not actively shopping Snell, who has three years and $39 million remaining on his five-year, $50 million extension, but given the financial losses the Rays endured during the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, trading the 27-year-old represents the club’s best chance to create some much-needed flexibility.”

Here’s Snell’s salary breakdown for the next three years:

• 2021: $10.5 million
• 2022: $12.5 million
• 2023: $16 million

That’s chump change for Los Angeles. On top of that, it would give the Dodgers the undisputed best rotation in baseball. Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell, Julio Urias, and Dustin May/Tony Gonsolin, though one of those three might have to go to Tampa in the blockbuster trade.

If the Rays are going to move the left-hander, you can bet it will be to the National League, and the package will arguably feature the biggest return we’ve seen in recent memory. Snell is the ace of the American League champions and is entering his age-28 season. It’s too convenient of a coincidence that the Dodgers are in the NL and boast arguably the best farm system in the sport. The stars are aligning.

Forget about any of the aforementioned names the Dodgers have been linked to in trades. Snell is the one worth overpaying for. He strengthens one of the biggest necessities on any roster (the starting rotation), he’ll provide another ace-like left-handed presence in the event Kershaw’s time with LA comes to an end after 2021, and he’ll be worth a contract extension since he’ll be hitting free agency again ahead of his age-31 season.

Lastly, it’d be worth paying a premium for Snell rather than Arenado. Instead of all of your talent going to a division rival for a $35+ million per year player, it’ll all be going to the AL for a $13 million per year player.

This is the truest of blockbusters that Friedman needs to make a reality.

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