Tampa Bay Rays – Just Stop the Blake Snell Trade Talks

The Tampa Bay Rays will be involved in trade talks over the next few weeks.  Including Blake Snell is Fake News. Click-bait.  Those suggesting need to stop.

The Tampa Bay Rays will not trade Blake Snell.  Why?  Because they don’t need to. It’s not time.  He’s not ready.  He needs more Tampa Bay time.  Sure, 29 teams would love to have him.  And, if you’re looking for a young, team-friendly, starting pitcher, it’s him.

Blake Snell is becoming one of the true faces of the Tampa Bay Rays.  Of course, there is Kevin Kiermaier and those eyes.  But, Blake Snell’s first half this season, along with his front of every sportscast all-star snub, makes him the face of the franchise.

Snell’s snub represents everything the Tampa Bay Rays play for.  And, his stats in the first half of the season are comparable to the best out there.  Twelve wins so far is proof enough, but the ERA that barely touches two is end of story.  Of course, this Rays pitcher shouldn’t represent the American League in the All-Star Game.

Will Blake Snell be the Rays Best Ever…so far?

Of course, when you think of the Tampa Bay Rays and their short history, David Price would be the elite of the Rays starting pitchers.  Scott Kazmir is right up there and James Shields was as solid as they came.  But, if you’ve watched Blake Snell move through the system, he can make a claim.

The Rays know what they have.  Just a couple of days ago, after the snub, they posted this on Twitter.

At the end of the day, he is any of us.  He’s not the eyes of KK.  The hair is not the dreds of Chris Archer.  He doesn’t even have plans for Tuesday like Wilson Ramos does.  Yet.  But, the Tampa Bay Rays are not going to trade him.

Next: The Snub of Blake Snell still stings.

So, again I say, mentioning him in any discussion, or sports column, or blog post, as someone who will traded, is looking for attention.  On the other hand, the Rays have trade commodities.  Adeiny Hechavarria will go if they can find anyone to take him. Wilson Ramos will go and bring a nice return.  I do think it’s time for Chris Archer to go.  And there will be others.

But, I repeat, Blake Snell will not be one of them.  Within a couple of days, he’ll be an All-Star. And he will represent the Rays well.  Then he’ll be back to anchor the staff this year, next, and closer to his 2023 free agency.