Three potential landing spots for Giants ace Blake Snell

Blake Snell's tenure with the San Francisco Giants may be shorter than his time as a free agent.

The Giants starting pitcher was a free agent for 138 days before signing on March 19. Snell has been a member of the Giants for 130 days entering Saturday. With Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reporting on Thursday that Snell is drawing interest in the trade market, he may not have much longer in San Francisco.

Snell's 2024 season with the Giants can be divided into two parts. He struggled at the beginning of the year, posting a 9.61 ERA and a 1.94 WHIP over his first six starts covering 23 2/3 innings. Snell then missed approximately a month with a left adductor strain before missing another five weeks with a strained groin. He has been much better in his three most recent outings since returning from the injured list, allowing just two runs on six hits and five walks over his 18 innings while striking out 15 batters. That is the pitcher teams are hoping to acquire.

Blake Snell could be in his final days with the San Francisco Giants. Let's take a look at three possible landing spots for the two-time Cy Young winner.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals made the rotation a focal point of the offseason, signing three starting pitchers in Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. While those signings have worked out, the rotation still needs help.

The Cardinals have been linked to Snell on the trade market. Tim Britton and Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic listed the Cardinals as one of the top suitors for Snell as he would add a top of the rotation starter to their pitching staff. Although Andrew Pallante has been solid since being inserted into the rotation and Steven Matz will presumably be able to eventually return from a back injury, the Cardinals need a more proven arm for the stretch run. Snell would be a perfect fit.

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros have caught fire over the past month, overcoming a 10-game deficit to lead the Americal League West. However, general manager Dana Brown is not content to sit back during this run.

Brown said on MLB Network that he will "try to go big" if there is a deal that makes sense for his club. That ideally involves adding another top of the rotation arm as the Astros have battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. Snell would fit that description, adding an impact starter for the stretch run. A trio of Snell, Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez would be formidable in October.

New York Yankees

The Yankees were linked to Snell throughout the offseason, with Bob Nightengale reporting that New York had offered the lefty a six-year, $150 million contract. He could end up in the Bronx anyway although via a circuitous route.

The Yankees need help as they have slid down the standings, posting the worst record in the majors between June 15 and July 9. Gerrit Cole has not been his typically dominant self since returning from the IL. Carlos Rodon has been a disappointment. Although adding another bat or two may be a priority, the rotation needs work, too. Snell could help stem the tide as the Yankees look to hold on to a playoff berth.