This Rays-Braves trade for Blake Snell could actually work

A trade package for Blake Snell would be a massive one coming from the Atlanta Braves.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell might be on the move, and maybe to the Atlanta Braves.

Snell has been an integral part of the Rays’ rotation for years. He was won an AL Cy Young Award before and helped Tampa Bay win its second-ever AL pennant this past season. However, he could have his massive deal shipped elsewhere to help small market Tampa remain competitively viable. So what would the Braves have to give up for the savvy, left-handed veteran starter in exchange?

The Braves’ farm system would take a huge hit to land Blake Snell

Atlanta is one of a few teams who could be in the market for Snell. Other teams to keep an eye on are the Boston Red Sox, the Los Angeles Angeles and Snell’s hometown Seattle Mariners, the team he grew up rooting for. While he could go to any of those teams, or stay in Tampa Bay for that matter, Atlanta gives him a great shot at finally winning a World Series Championship.

Since Snell has three years left on his five-year deal, it will require the Braves to give up a ton of top prospects to pull off this blockbuster trade. If Snell comes to The ATL, expect prospects like Drew Waters and Shea Langeliers to go to Tampa Bay. The Rays may want an MLB-ready pitcher to compensate, so Bryse Wilson may have to go. Plus, they could command a mid-tier prospect.

For a haul like that, it would be worth it for the Rays. It would help reset their competitive life cycle without having to pay top-dollar for anyone. They have a star in the making in Randy Arozarena, as well as right-hander Tyler Glasnow who can emerge as the frontline starter. But for the Braves, is it worth mortgaging their future on a left-hander who cannot go six innings for the life of him?

For anyone who has watched Snell pitch the last few years, you have seen his ability to take over games with his wide array of stuff. He is competitive as hell and hates being pulled from games. Adding him to a rotation that features Ian Anderson, Max Fried and Mike Soroka could help Atlanta get to its first World Series since 1999, possibly winning it all for the first time since 1995.

Should Atlanta win the Snell sweepstakes, the Braves can say goodbye to several top prospects.