Blake Snell has reportedly secured a lucrative five-year contract worth $182 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations. The announcement, which is contingent upon Snell passing a physical examination, was shared by the pitcher himself on social media, where he showcased his new Dodgers uniform, sporting the number 7.
Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, joins a talented rotation that already features superstar Shohei Ohtani, making this one of the premier pitching lineups in baseball. This signing marks the Dodgers’ first significant acquisition of the offseason, following Ohtani’s historic $700 million contract last winter.
The Dodgers had to navigate injuries to several key players during their successful postseason run, ultimately winning their second World Series title in five years. With the departures of right-handers Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler to free agency, the addition of Snell helps to fill a critical gap in the team’s starting rotation.
His impressive average salary of $36.4 million will rank as the fifth-highest in Major League Baseball next year, behind other notable players such as Ohtani and Zack Wheeler. Snell previously opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants, having faced challenges due to injuries during his time there.
In the 2023 season, Snell demonstrated his skills with a record of 5-3 and a 3.12 ERA over 20 starts, which included a no-hitter against Cincinnati. Despite dealing with injuries that sidelined him for parts of the season, he struck out 145 batters across 104 innings.
Now, as he transitions to the Dodgers, Snell looks to bring his winning experience, including two Cy Young Awards and a solid career record, to further elevate the team’s potential for future success.
This move not only solidifies the Dodgers’ pitching rotation but also embodies the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level. With hopes high for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to witnessing how Snell’s addition impacts the Dodgers’ quest for another championship.