The Rays are continuing their cost cutting, removing the second meaningful starting pitcher from the team’s World Series run from the roster by trading ace Blake Snell to the San Diego Padres.
Snell was due $11 million in 2021, with approximately three years and $40 million remaining on his contract. With no options, Snell will become a free agent after his age-30 season in 2024. That’s three seasons the Rays could have had a remarkably cheap, top flight pitcher on their roster. Instead... who knows.
The return appears to be centered on RHP Luis Patino, a Colombian, athletic pitching prospect on the brink of the majors.