The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory, have made another significant move to bolster their roster. The team has agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
Dodgers Sign Blake Snell
Snell, who recently opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants, joins two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles’ rotation, giving the Dodgers the first mega deal of this offseason following Ohtani’s $700m, 10-year contract and Yamamoto’s $325m, 12-year deal last winter.
Ohtani didn’t pitch in the 2024 season due to right elbow surgery. However, he is expected to return to the mound in 2025. Despite not pitching, he won his third MVP award, this time in the National League, for his exceptional performance as a designated hitter.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another key addition to the Dodgers’ rotation, impressed in his rookie season with a 7-2 record and a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts. He further showcased his talent by winning two games in four postseason appearances.
The Dodgers faced significant challenges during the 2024 postseason, as injuries depleted their starting pitching rotation. Despite these setbacks, they managed to overcome adversity and clinch their second World Series title in five years.
The departures of right-handers Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler in free agency further weakened the Dodgers’ pitching staff. The addition of Snell will help fill this void and strengthen the team’s rotation.
Snell’s $36.4m average salary would rank as the fifth-highest among active deals next year behind Ohtani ($70m), Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler ($42m), New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge ($40m), and Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom ($37m). Among expired contracts, it also was exceeded by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander (both $43.33m) under deals they agreed to with the New York Mets.
Snell, who will turn 32 next week, had a strong 2023 season with the San Francisco Giants. He pitched to a 5-3 record with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts, including a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. He struck out 145 batters and walked 44 in 104 innings pitched.
