San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell is shown in action during a game against the Kansas City Royals on September 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. The photo, taken by Charlie Riedel of the Associated Press, captures Snell pitching in the early moments of the matchup.
Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, has agreed to a $182 million, five-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, cementing his place in one of baseball's most star-studded lineups. The deal, which is pending a physical, was confirmed by an anonymous source and marks the Dodgers’ first major signing of the offseason.
Snell shared the news on social media, donning his new Dodgers jersey, No. 7. ESPN initially reported the contract details. His addition strengthens the Dodgers’ pitching rotation, which already features two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, recovering from elbow surgery, is poised to resume pitching in 2025 but delivered a stellar season at the plate, earning his third MVP award.
This signing follows a challenging postseason for the Dodgers, who managed to win their second World Series in five years despite being short on starting pitchers. With the departure of right-handers Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler to free agency, Snell’s arrival fills a critical gap at the top of the rotation.
Snell’s contract includes an average annual salary of $36.4 million, placing him among MLB’s top earners. His pay ranks fifth among active players, trailing Ohtani, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Judge, and Jacob deGrom. Notably, it also falls below the expired deals of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, both of whom had annual salaries of $43.33 million during their time with the Mets.
Snell, 31, opted for free agency after a short stint with the San Francisco Giants, where injuries limited his performance. Earlier this year, he signed a two-year, $62 million deal with San Francisco, which he chose to forgo in search of new opportunities. Despite setbacks, Snell showcased his prowess in 2023, recording a 3.12 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and one of the season's 16 individual no-hitters.
In his nine-year career, Snell has compiled a 76-58 record with a 3.19 ERA across stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and Giants. His accolades include Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2023, reflecting his status as one of baseball’s elite pitchers.
The Dodgers’ move to secure Snell highlights their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. With Ohtani and Snell headlining their roster, the team has bolstered its chances for another championship run.
