Dodgers’ Deferred Payment Commitments Soar Past $1 Billion with Blake Snell and Tommy Edman Deals
When it comes to making bold moves, the Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to the spotlight. But their latest financial commitments have taken things to a whole new level. With the recent signings of Blake Snell and Tommy Edman, the Dodgers have officially crossed the $1 billion mark in deferred payments owed to players between 2028 and 2046. Yes, you read that right—over a billion dollars in deferred money. Let’s break it all down.
Blake Snell’s Blockbuster Deal
On Saturday, the Dodgers announced a massive $182 million contract for Blake Snell, the 2023 Cy Young Award winner. The deal includes $66 million in deferred payments, which will be paid out to Snell through July 1, 2046. That’s right—Snell will still be cashing checks from the Dodgers more than two decades from now. The contract also features a $52 million signing bonus, payable on January 25, and annual salaries of $26 million, with $13.2 million of that deferred each year. The deferred money will be paid in equal installments every July 1 from 2035 to 2046.
But that’s not all. The Dodgers have a $10 million conditional club option for 2033, which could be exercised if Snell suffers a qualifying injury and spends 90 or more consecutive days on the injured list. If Snell is traded, he’ll receive a $5 million assignment bonus, payable by the acquiring team. Oh, and let’s not forget—Snell also gets a hotel suite on road trips. Talk about living the dream!
Tommy Edman Joins the Party
Just a day before Snell’s deal was announced, the Dodgers locked in Tommy Edman with a five-year, $74 million contract. This deal includes $25 million in deferred payments, which will be paid out through July 1, 2044. Edman will receive a $17 million signing bonus on December 10, followed by a $5 million salary in 2025 and $12.25 million annually for the remaining four years. Of that annual salary, $6.25 million will be deferred each year.
Here’s how Edman’s deferred payments break down:
- For 2026: $2.5 million each in 2035 and 2036, and $1.25 million in 2037.
- For 2027: $1.25 million in 2037, and $2.5 million each in 2038 and 2039.
- For 2028: $2.5 million each in 2040 and 2041, and $1.25 million in 2042.
- For 2029: $1.25 million in 2042, and $2.5 million each in 2043 and 2044.
Edman’s deal also includes a $13 million club option for 2030, with a $3 million buyout. Like Snell, Edman will contribute 1% of his salary to charity each year.
The Dodgers’ Billion-Dollar Deferred Payment Club
With these two new contracts, the Dodgers now owe a staggering $1,006,500,000 in deferred payments to seven players from 2028 to 2046. Here’s a look at the other members of this exclusive club:
- Shohei Ohtani: $680 million from 2034-43 as part of a record $700 million, 10-year contract through 2033.
- Mookie Betts: $115 million in salaries from 2033-44, plus the final $5 million of his signing bonus payable from 2033-35, all part of a $365 million, 12-year contract through 2032.
- Freddie Freeman: $57 million from 2028-40 in a $162 million, six-year contract through 2027.
- Will Smith: $50 million payable from 2034-43 as part of a $140 million, 10-year contract through 2033.
- Teoscar Hernández: $8.5 million from 2030-39 as part of a $23.5 million, one-year deal for 2024.
What Does This Mean for the Dodgers?
It’s clear that the Dodgers are playing the long game here, leveraging deferred payments to build a star-studded roster while managing their short-term payroll. But with over $1 billion in future obligations, the pressure is on to deliver championships now. As Stephen A. Smith put it, “Pitching wins championships,” and the Dodgers are banking on Blake Snell to help them do just that.
Only time will tell if these massive financial commitments pay off on the field. But one thing’s for sure—the Dodgers are all in, and they’re not afraid to spend big to chase greatness.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
