The Los Angeles Dodgers are splashing out cash once again, despite their recent World Series victory. Reports confirm that the team has signed pitcher Blake Snell to a significant five-year contract valued at $182 million.
Interestingly, some sources indicate that parts of this deal may be deferred, though details remain unclear.
This year, the Dodgers have already spent over $1 billion on player contracts, and Snell’s signing marks their first nine-figure deal of the offseason, occurring just a month after their championship win. Snell, who played with the San Francisco Giants on a two-year contract, earned this new opportunity after a standout season that included winning the Cy Young Award.
Last season was challenging for Snell, who began with a 9.51 ERA in his first six starts and even spent some time on the injured list. However, he rebounded strongly, finishing his last 14 appearances with an impressive 1.23 ERA and accumulating 114 strikeouts over 80.1 innings, showcasing why the Dodgers are eager to have him on their roster.
As the offseason progresses, Los Angeles is also expecting to welcome back Shohei Ohtani to their pitching rotation. The futures of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler remain uncertain, although Kershaw is likely to remain with the team if he doesn’t choose to retire. Tyler Glasnow is also expected to make a return.
Blake Snell is sometimes overlooked in discussions of elite pitchers, partly due to his tendency to leave games early. Notably, he pitched a no-hitter in 2024, marking a significant achievement in his career. His strikeout rate is the highest in MLB history at 11.2 K/9, and he holds a career ERA of 3.19. Despite only one All-Star selection, he seems poised for a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
At 32, Snell’s signing does carry some risk, but the Dodgers’ financial muscle suggests they can absorb any potential setbacks. With this major acquisition, Los Angeles is just getting started as they look to reinforce their already talented roster.
