Blake Snell has finalized a significant five-year contract worth $182 million with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, as confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations who requested to remain anonymous due to the ongoing physical examination process required for the deal.
Snell made the announcement himself on social media, sharing a photo of him in a Dodgers uniform, donning the number 7. This lucrative contract marks the first major offseason signing for the Dodgers, following the substantial $700 million, 10-year agreement with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani last winter.
Ohtani, while recovering from elbow surgery, had an impressive season as a designated hitter and secured his third MVP award, this time in the National League. The Dodgers, who triumphed in the postseason despite dealing with significant injuries to their rotation, now look to bolster their pitching staff with Snell. The team faced a shortage of healthy starting pitchers during the playoffs, underscoring the importance of bringing in a true ace like Snell.
Snell’s average annual salary of $36.4 million will place him fifth among the highest-paid active deals for the upcoming season, falling behind Ohtani, Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, and Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom. Notably, Snell’s deal surpasses the expired contracts of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who previously had agreements with the New York Mets.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Snell opted out of his contract with San Francisco for the second consecutive offseason. His previous two-year deal worth $62 million included various financial stipulations that would have seen him earn a $15 million salary for 2024 and a $30 million salary for 2025.
Throughout his career, Snell has demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience in the face of injuries, recording a 5-3 record with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts this past season. Notably, he achieved a no-hitter against Cincinnati on August 2, a rare feat reflecting his impressive capabilities on the mound. Over his nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and Giants, Snell has accumulated a 76-58 record alongside a career 3.19 ERA.
This signing not only strengthens the Dodgers’ rotation for the upcoming season but also indicates their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the league. It offers a ray of hope as the franchise aims for another championship run while leveraging Snell’s accomplishments and potential to further enhance their success.
Hopeful Note: With Snell joining the Dodgers, fans can look forward to an exciting season with a powerful pitching lineup. As he embarks on this new chapter, the combination of talent and teamwork may lead the Dodgers to yet another memorable postseason.