Blake Snell, the accomplished free agent left-hander, has finalized a significant five-year contract worth $182 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as reported by sources on Tuesday evening. The agreement is contingent on him passing a physical and features no opt-out clauses, a deferred payment structure, and a substantial signing bonus of $52 million.
This contract marks a pivotal addition for the Dodgers, who are looking to defend their World Series title. After navigating through a challenging postseason with a limited pitching roster, Snell’s arrival provides them with a strong frontline starter. This contract is particularly impressive, ranking as the third-largest for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history, trailing only David Price and Clayton Kershaw’s historic deals.
For the Dodgers, this contract is part of a broader strategy, as they have now secured five commitments of over $100 million since the onset of the 2023-24 offseason, matching the total from the rest of Major League Baseball as a whole. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, opted out of his previous deal with the San Francisco Giants and now joins a formidable rotation alongside stars like Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw, enhancing their odds for the upcoming 2025 season.
While Snell faced challenges earlier in the 2024 season with injuries and inconsistent performances, he rebounded impressively, finishing the season strong. His standout performances included a memorable no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds and a remarkable late-season run that saw him dominate with a 1.23 ERA over his last 14 starts.
The Dodgers are currently viewed as strong contenders to win the 2025 World Series, a title they aim to reclaim in a league that has not seen a repeat champion in over two decades. Snell’s addition not only reinforces their pitching lineup but also adds to the excitement surrounding the team’s future prospects, offering hope to fans eager for continued success.
This signing reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to excellence and could set the stage for an exciting season ahead for both the team and its supporters. The combination of Snell’s incredible talent and the resources available to the Dodgers positions them as a team to watch closely in the upcoming season.