Blake Snell Joins Dodgers in Blockbuster $182 Million Deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making waves this offseason, and their latest move is a big one. Left-handed ace Blake Snell has reportedly agreed to a massive five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers, pending a physical. This news, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo on Tuesday night, has sent shockwaves through the baseball world.
Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is no stranger to the spotlight. After opting out of the final season of his two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants earlier this month, the 31-year-old lefty became one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. Now, he’s set to bring his talents to Los Angeles, bolstering a Dodgers rotation that’s already stacked with talent.
A Rollercoaster 2024 Season
Snell’s journey to this blockbuster deal wasn’t without its challenges. After winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, Snell entered free agency last offseason but didn’t find the offers he was hoping for. Concerns about his inconsistent strike-throwing led to a lukewarm market, and he ultimately signed with the Giants in late March, missing most of spring training.
The start of the 2024 season was rough for Snell. Through his first six starts, he posted a sky-high 9.51 ERA and landed on the injured list twice with a groin strain. But when he returned, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the best in the game. Snell finished the season with a 5-3 record, a 3.12 ERA, and 145 strikeouts (against just 44 walks) in 104 innings over 20 starts. His decision to opt out of his contract was a no-brainer after such a strong finish.
Dominance Down the Stretch
From early July to late September, Snell was nearly untouchable. In 14 starts during that span, he posted a jaw-dropping 1.23 ERA with 114 strikeouts and 30 walks in 80 1/3 innings. On Aug. 2, he threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, a performance that will be remembered for years to come. In eight other starts, he went at least six innings while allowing no more than two runs. Talk about a comeback story!
However, injuries were a recurring theme for Snell in 2024. He was sidelined from April 19 to May 22 with a strained left adductor and again from June 2 to July 9 with a strained left groin. Despite these setbacks, his second-half dominance proved he’s still one of the game’s elite pitchers.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Snell first burst onto the scene in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays, leading the majors with 21 wins and pacing the American League with a 1.89 ERA en route to his first Cy Young Award. Over the next four years, he remained a strikeout machine but saw his ERA rise to 3.85 during that stretch. Still, his ability to miss bats at an elite level kept him in the conversation as one of the league’s top arms.
Overall, Snell boasts a career record of 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA across nine MLB seasons. And here’s a fun fact: the only pitcher in the majors over the last two seasons with at least 250 innings and a lower ERA than Snell is the Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal. That’s some elite company.
What This Means for the Dodgers
Adding Snell to their rotation is a clear signal that the Dodgers are all-in for 2025. With his ability to dominate on the mound, Snell gives Los Angeles another ace to pair with their already impressive pitching staff. And let’s not forget, this is a team that’s no stranger to championship aspirations. Snell’s arrival only strengthens their case as one of the favorites heading into next season.
Here’s a quick recap of Snell’s 2024 highlights:
- Finished the season with a 3.12 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 104 innings.
- Posted a 1.23 ERA in 14 starts from July to September.
- Threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 2.
- Opted out of his contract with the Giants to become a free agent.
As the Dodgers gear up for another run at the World Series, the addition of Blake Snell could be the move that puts them over the top. For now, all eyes are on Los Angeles as they prepare to welcome their newest star.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
