Blake Snell, the former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a remarkable five-year contract worth $182 million, according to sources. This significant deal, which is pending a physical examination, includes a $52 million signing bonus and some deferred payments, but notably carries no opt-out options.
For the Dodgers, this acquisition provides them with a top-tier starter as they gear up to defend their World Series title. Last season, the team heavily relied on their bullpen with only three healthy starters during the playoffs. Conversely, for Snell, this contract represents a swift and favorable resolution to his second foray into free agency.
This agreement marks one of the highest contract values in MLB history for a left-handed pitcher, ranking third overall, trailing only David Price’s $217 million deal and Clayton Kershaw’s $215 million contract with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ spending spree in the 2023-24 offseason continues, as they have now secured five significant contracts exceeding $100 million, matching the total combined from the rest of Major League Baseball.
Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, made headlines earlier this month when he opted out of his final season with the San Francisco Giants, entering free agency once again. He now joins the rivalry in Southern California, expected to strengthen a star-studded pitching rotation that already includes names like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, among others. The Dodgers are also in pursuit of Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki, who may be available this winter.
The 31-year-old left-hander had a turbulent start to the previous season with the Giants, registering a high ERA in his first few games, but he turned things around dramatically. Snell finished the season strong, boasting a 3.12 ERA and impressively striking out 145 batters over 104 innings. His standout performance included a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2 and a 1.23 ERA in his final 14 starts.
Snell’s previous five seasons showcased his talent, including a stellar 2018 season with the Rays that saw him leading the majors with 21 wins and a minuscule 1.89 ERA. Overall, he holds a career record of 76 wins against 58 losses and a 3.19 ERA across nine seasons in Major League Baseball.
Next season, Snell’s average annual salary will rank as the fifth-highest in the league. As the Dodgers look ahead, they are currently favored at +400 to clinch the 2025 World Series title. The pursuit of back-to-back championships is a challenge, as no team has accomplished this feat since the New York Yankees did so from 1998 to 2000.
In summary, Blake Snell’s move to the Dodgers not only strengthens their pitching lineup but also ignites excitement among fans as the team aims for further success in the upcoming seasons. With such high-profile signings, the Dodgers continue to reinforce their strategy to remain at the forefront of MLB competition.