Analyzing Blake Snell as a fit for the Orioles

The Orioles' starting rotation has been decimated by injuries, as Tyler Wells, Kyle Bradish, and John Means are all out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. They have Corbin Burnes at the top of the rotation, but the rest of the bunch leaves a lot to be desired as the trade deadline draws nearer.

An interesting option may have just emerged with the San Francisco Giants, who have reportedly made left-hander Blake Snell available. He might be a good option to fill a hole in the Orioles' rotation and give them a second top-level starter next to Burnes.

Analyzing Blake Snell as a fit for the Orioles

As mentioned above, Snell could be the perfect fit for Baltimore and give them somebody to pair with Burnes. While Snell has struggled this season to the tune of a 5.83 ERA, he does bring solid postseason experience, two Cy Young awards, and a ton of swing-and-miss stuff. That makes him an interesting target.

On the other hand, Snell is a bit inconsistent. In the years after winning his Cy Young awards, he's taken steps back. This year, in addition to his 5.83 ERA, he is winless in his nine starts. He also hasn't always been somebody that eats a lot of innings.

Because of his recent Cy Young finish with the San Diego Padres last year, his value should still be high, even with his current struggles. But in that case, is it worth giving up top prospects like Connor Norby or Coby Mayo for him if you're the Orioles? That's something they're going to have to consider if they decide to target the reigning National League Cy Young winner.

So, there are positives and negatives to this potential deal. A lot depends on Snell. If he can get right and pitch the way he did last year, then the Orioles have a legitimate shot to win the World Series. At the same time, he'll cost a lot, even if he opts out of his deal at the end of the year, and if he keeps struggling, the deal could set the team back a little bit.