Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, has reportedly signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The Dodgers have not yet confirmed the news, but Snell hinted at the move by sharing a picture of himself in a Dodgers uniform on Instagram.
A Stellar Career and Recent Comeback
Snell, 31, is coming off a remarkable season with the Padres, where he posted an MLB-best 2.25 ERA across 180 innings, striking out 234 batters. This performance earned him his second Cy Young Award, making him only the seventh pitcher in history to win the honor in both leagues.
After struggling early in the 2024 season with the Giants, including injuries and a 9.51 ERA in his first six starts, Snell rebounded strongly. Over his final 14 starts, he recorded a dominant 1.23 ERA, highlighted by an 11-strikeout no-hitter on August 2 against the Reds.
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Career Highlights
- 2018 (Rays): Won his first Cy Young Award with a 1.89 ERA, leading the American League and earning a 21-5 record.
Snell’s career has been defined by stretches of brilliance and occasional inconsistency, with concerns about durability and a career 4.1 walks per nine innings. However, his upside remains one of the highest in baseball when healthy and in form.
Dodgers’ Big Offseason Move
Snell’s addition solidifies the Dodgers’ rotation as they look to defend their World Series title. He joins a pitching staff that already includes stars like Julio Urías, Bobby Miller, and Tony Gonsolin.
The signing is a bold move that underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to remaining perennial contenders, even as they face pressure from rising competition in the National League.
Future Outlook
With Snell anchoring their rotation, the Dodgers are banking on his ability to replicate his Cy Young-level dominance. If Snell can maintain his form, the Dodgers’ chances of repeating as champions just got significantly stronger.