In what promises to be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason, Blake Snell has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This significant acquisition by the Dodgers is a demonstration of their intent to solidify pitching prowess going into future seasons, though the deal remains subject to a physical examination.
Blake Snell, fresh off his second Cy Young award win in 2023, has consistently proven himself as a standout performer on the mound. His recently concluded season with the San Francisco Giants in 2024 boasted a commendable 3.12 ERA alongside 145 strikeouts across 20 starts. Notably, Snell pitched to an astonishing 1.23 ERA in his final 12 starts, including a remarkable 11-strikeout no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2nd. This level of performance, notably peaking toward the latter half of the season, underscores why he is regarded as the fourth-best free agent this offseason according to R.J. Anderson.
Anderson has previously remarked on Snell’s resilience and consistency, saying, "Snell recovered from a truncated spring training and a pair of early trips to the injured list to accumulate the fourth-best ERA+ of his career. That doesn't sound impressive at first blush, but consider the circumstances and remember he's a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Snell continues to produce year in and year out all the same. At some point, you have to just tip your cap and accept that that's the way it's going to be. In turn, here's hoping he lands the long-term deal that he was denied 12 months ago."
This high praise is a testament to Snell's capability and determination, reflected not only in his statistical success but also in his continuous improvement and adaptability. Having opted out of his previous two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants, Snell clearly aimed for a more substantial commitment, and now, with this prospective deal, he stands at the cusp of achieving just that.
For the Dodgers, this addition may be the keystone to a rotation looking to overcome recent injury setbacks. The roster includes the likes of Shohei Ohtani, who is anticipated to return to pitching duties after undergoing a Tommy John hybrid procedure. Additionally, Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was limited to 18 starts last season due to a rotator cuff strain and triceps issue, is expected to bounce back. The recovery of Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May from their respective Tommy John surgeries will further reinforce the Dodgers' pitching depth.
With Snell in the mix, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts can look forward to steering a more formidable pitching lineup. Just last postseason, Roberts navigated with only three healthy starting pitchers, a challenge that underscored the necessity for not only depth but also resilience and experience—attributes that Snell embodies.
Snell's exceptional ability to dominate the latter half of seasons has been of particular note. He has managed an impressive 1.30 ERA over his last 30 second-half starts spanning two years, proving his capability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. This propensity for late-season heroics is undoubtedly appealing to the Dodgers, who perpetually strive for strong playoff positioning.
With this potential addition, the Dodgers are not just acquiring a pitcher; they are solidifying their posture as a perennial contender in Major League Baseball. For Snell, a new chapter with the Dodgers not only affirms his status among the elite in the sport but also presents an opportunity for continued greatness on a vastly competitive stage.