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The problem with drawing conclusions on Snell based on what you're looking at TODAY is that it leaves out all of the information from 2-4 years ago.
The entire reason I was high on Snell a few years back was because he had *EXCEPTIONAL* control.  Not just plus control - but mind-bending NOBODY throws like this control.  His first minor walk lines were: 1.6 and 1.4 BB/9.  At age 22 and 23 in the minors, his final two BB/9 numbers in AA and AAA were: 2.4 and 1.8.  That 1.8 came in AAA. 
Prior to those final two seasons, his HR rates were below point five.  Those last two years, right at the MLB-serviceable 1.0 level.
In 2007, his BB rate was 2.9 in the majors.  And his HR rate in the majors is 1.1 overall, (with a poor start 1.4 as a rookie). 
ONCE UPON A TIME, Snell had world-class control.  He lost it.  What happened between '07 and '08 to cause his walk rate to nearly double - I have no clue.  But, I don't believe for a minute that he was running sub 2 walk rates in the minors without the ABILITY to throw a strike whenever he wanted. 
No idea if the Pirates altered his mechanics to cause the problem, or just messed up his head.  The real tell would be seeing if he had the same "bad" mechanics back in '07 when he posted a sub-3 walk rate in the majors.  I mean - it makes ZERO sense.  The weakness of minor league hitters is NOT hitting Fastballs.  Am I supposed to believe he was throwing 80% off-speed stuff in the minors with no walks, and the Pirates changed him to 80% FBs when he got up?!?  I don't believe it for a second.
Either he got hurt - and changed his mechanics --- or, the Pirates messed up his head, (which I believe is the more likely reality), and taught him a BUNCH of bad habits.  While his aggregate numbers for Seattle were weak -- "somehow" he still managed to 5-2 record and 4.20 ERA.  Yes, he walked way too many, and didn't fan enough.  But, if anyone could figure out why he used to could walk under 3 a game, and now he can't?  If you solve that one, then you likely have a decent #3 starter. 
The question I would ask -- which is harder, teaching control to someone who has never shown it -- or helping someone who once had exceptional control and lost it, to find it again?