Dodgers Way
FanSided

Padres ‘frustration’ with Blake Snell could greatly benefit Dodgers

SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 22: Blake Snell #4 of the San Diego Padres pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 22, 2021 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 22: Blake Snell #4 of the San Diego Padres pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 22, 2021 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

Shortly after his return to the San Diego Padres after dealing with an injury, Blake Snell was promptly ripped by the team’s broadcasting crew for his lack of a gameplan each time he takes the mound. Los Angeles Dodgers fans had fun with that one.

Most recently, he hit Bryce Harper in the thumb with a pitch and all but officially ended the Phillies star’s season. What’s the point we’re trying to make?

He’s now more universally disliked than ever, and apparently the Padres have joined the chorus. Here’s the latest, per team insider Dennis Lin (subscription required):

"“If the Padres trade a starting pitcher, they likely would prefer to move Blake Snell. He’s making $5 million more than Clevinger, and unsurprisingly, the team has been frustrated with the left-hander’s lack of performance. It would be selling low on Snell, but the Padres want to clear payroll for other needs.”"

In summation, Snell has been bad as a Padre. He’s 7-11 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 1.35 WHIP and 208 strikeouts (actually pretty good) in 34 starts, totaling 164 innings.

The Padres might trade Blake Snell … and it could benefit the Dodgers greatly

So you’re probably wondering what the purpose of the article’s headline is. And we’d agree … if Snell wasn’t ridiculously efficient against the Dodgers. Here are his numbers:

  • 1-0, 1.75 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 33 strikeouts in six regular season starts (25.2 innings)
  • 0-0, 2.70 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in two World Series starts (10 innings)

That’s what we call “ownership.” And the Dodgers, who are struggling enough on offense this year with consistency, would benefit tremendously from watching Snell leave the division because of his uncanny ability to shut them down.

It may not be a foregone conclusion Snell will be dealt, but when you consider the Padres’ luxury tax conundrum, offloading his salary might be atop the list of priorities before the trade deadline. And AJ Preller would once again be looking to re-tool this team for the 500th time.

In summation, the Pads possibly getting rid of their worst starter would somehow help LA in the NL West race. Even when the Dodgers are losing, they somehow pull out a win.

Home/Dodgers Rumors

Schedule