The Los Angeles Dodgers are not holding back this offseason, continuing their trend of aggressive roster building. After a significant payout of over $1 billion in contracts last winter, the team has recently secured a five-year, $182 million deal with starting pitcher Blake Snell. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, had a challenging start during his season with the Giants, attributing his struggles to joining the team late in the offseason. However, he ended strongly, showcasing impressive statistics with a 1.23 ERA and 114 strikeouts over his final 14 games.
Blake Snell’s addition marks him as the first major free agent off the market this year and significantly enhances the Dodgers’ starting rotation, which looks far more promising than it did in October. The projected rotation for 2025 now includes Snell, alongside other standout pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Tony Gonsolin. The arrangement of starters is still up for discussion, providing manager Dave Roberts with an exciting dilemma as he considers which players will take the mound first.
Yamamoto is proving to be an ace when healthy, and Glasnow, despite prior injury challenges, had a commendable season with a 2.88 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 16 starts. While Glasnow’s injury history is a concern, the Dodgers believe securing Snell is essential for depth and stability in their rotation. Even if Snell exhibits control issues, he remains capable of securing victories and preventing significant injuries.
Ohtani’s return to pitching adds an element of uncertainty, but with Snell on the roster, there is less pressure on Ohtani to perform under demanding circumstances. Gonsolin, a former All-Star, rounds out a strong pitching lineup, although questions about Clayton Kershaw’s potential return and young talent Bobby Miller’s future linger.
There’s speculation about Japanese prodigy Roki Sasaki possibly joining the Dodgers, even after the Snell signing. Sasaki would be a more affordable acquisition under international amateur rules compared to Yamamoto, making him an attractive option for the team. The prospect of playing alongside stars like Ohtani and Yamamoto could be a significant draw for Sasaki, who may not mind a secondary role in a deeply talented lineup.
While Snell’s pitching style typically leads to him being less efficient, often limiting him to six innings or fewer due to control issues, the Dodgers may not need him to pitch deeply into games as their rotation is designed for flexibility. With multiple power pitchers on the roster, Roberts has shown he can effectively manage pitching workloads, ensuring the team can compete at a high level without overextending any single starter.
In summary, the Dodgers’ proactive offseason moves signal their commitment to maintaining their championship status and enhancing their playoff prospects. Snell’s addition not only boosts their starting rotation but also positions Los Angeles as a formidable contender for the upcoming season, filled with hope and potential. The team’s depth may prove invaluable, allowing them to navigate any adversities that may arise throughout the intense season ahead.