Blake Snell Trade Rumors: Yankees Among 6 Teams Eyeing Giants Star at MLB Deadline

The New York Yankees are reportedly among six teams that have expressed interest in trading for San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Snell's trade status is "complicated" as the Giants decide how to handle the deadline. Snell has been stellar since returning to the rotation July 9, giving up just two runs over 24 innings pitched.

Heyman later reported that the Chicago Cubs are also among the teams that have checked in on Snell.

The turnaround has been a welcome change for the Giants, who saw their prized offseason pitching acquisition falter early in his tenure. Snell was one of the worst pitchers in baseball over his first six starts, going 0-3 with a 9.51 ERA before suffering a groin strain in June that sidelined him for a month.

That injury proved to be the best thing for Snell, as it allowed him to take a breath after a frustrating offseason saw him have to settle for a two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants. Most expected the 2023 Cy Young winner to easily land a contract into the nine-figure mark.

Snell had his best performance as a Giant on Saturday, striking out 15 batters in six innings against the Colorado Rockies.

"He's always been kind of a second-half guy," Giants manager Bob Melvin said. "Last year, when he went on a run like this, not only was it similar to this type of stuff every night that he was either giving up no runs or one run, he was able to pitch out of jams. He was able to get a strikeout with a man on third. It's kind of his forte."

The Yankees were among the teams linked to Snell during the offseason but ultimately bowed out of the running. New York could have more interest now that Snell's contract is more palatable, even if it would mean adding to the franchise's luxury tax bill.

The Yankees could use some help in their starting rotation, as four of their five regular starters have an ERA over 4. Included in those starters struggling is ace Gerrit Cole, who has not found his rhythm since returning to the rotation last month.