On November 27, 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant move by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year contract worth $182 million. This decision comes as the Dodgers look to enhance their roster following their World Series victory. Snell, now 31, had been a free agent after opting out of the final year of his previous contract with the Giants. Despite a rocky start to the 2024 season, where he recorded a 9.51 ERA in his first six starts, Snell regained his form, finishing with an impressive 1.23 ERA over his last 14 starts, including a no-hitter on August 2. This resurgence mirrored his performance in 2023, where he dominated with a 1.20 ERA in his final 23 starts for the Padres, ultimately earning him the National League Cy Young Award.
The Dodgers’ signing of Snell fulfills their aim of adding an ace to their pitching rotation, which now includes notable names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani. This revamped rotation is expected to significantly outperform last year’s performance. Snell’s connection with Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, who was pivotal in his early career with the Rays, adds a personal element to this signing.
On the flip side, the Giants face a substantial loss as Snell heads to their rivals, leaving them with uncertainties in their rotation. They will rely on former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and may seek a free-agent replacement for Snell.
The implications of this signing extend beyond just the teams involved. Other clubs such as the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles were also vying for Snell’s services, and his decision could trigger a ripple effect in the starting pitching market. The Red Sox and Yankees are now likely to engage in a bidding war for left-handed starters, such as Max Fried, while the Orioles might look to fill the gap left by ace Corbin Burnes.
Analysts note that although the Dodgers appear to be strengthening their already powerful lineup, Snell’s ability to deliver effective innings, despite not being a high-inning pitcher, makes him a valuable asset. His impressive strikeout and walk rates indicate that he remains one of the most effective pitchers in the league, even as he occasionally struggles with command. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how this signing shapes the upcoming season and the movements within the free-agent market.
