Blake Snell Dodgers contract/ Dodgers pitching staff 2025/ MLB free agency 2024/ Snell $182 million deal/ Dodgers sign Cy Young winner/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract, bolstering their rotation just weeks after winning the World Series. Snell, who previously pitched for the Giants, Padres, and Rays, joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in what is shaping up to be one of the most formidable pitching staffs in MLB.
Blake Snell Joins Dodgers: Full Details of the $182 Million Deal
Quick Looks
- Contract Details: Blake Snell signs a five-year, $182 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Rotation Upgrade: Snell joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop a revamped Dodgers pitching staff.
- 2024 Rotation Outlook: Dodgers address rotation holes after injuries and free-agent departures, including Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler.
Blake Snell Joins Dodgers with $182 Million Deal: What It Means for LA
Deep Look
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making bold moves yet again, solidifying their status as perennial MLB powerhouses by signing Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. The agreement, pending a physical, marks the first major pitching acquisition of the offseason for the World Series champions. Snell’s $36.4 million annual salary is one of the highest among active MLB contracts, reflecting his elite status as a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
A Strengthened Rotation
Snell joins a Dodgers pitching staff already featuring superstar Shohei Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking $700 million contract earlier this offseason, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who inked a $325 million deal last year. Ohtani, who did not pitch in 2024 while recovering from elbow surgery, is expected to return to the mound in 2025. Yamamoto impressed during his rookie season, going 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts and contributing in the postseason.
The addition of Snell provides a much-needed ace for the Dodgers, especially after injuries and free-agent departures left their rotation depleted in 2024. Snell’s presence should help stabilize a staff that endured a series of setbacks, including season-ending surgeries for Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin.
Blake Snell’s Stellar Track Record
Snell, who turns 32 next week, is a proven performer. He won the Cy Young Award in 2018 with Tampa Bay and again in 2023 with San Diego. Over his nine-season career, Snell boasts a 76-58 record and a 3.19 ERA.
In 2024, he pitched for the San Francisco Giants, posting a 5-3 record with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts. He threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 2, showcasing his continued dominance. However, injuries, including a strained left adductor and groin, limited his availability during the season.
What the Deal Means for the Dodgers
With a revamped rotation featuring Snell, Ohtani, and Yamamoto, the Dodgers aim to defend their World Series title in 2025. Snell’s ability to deliver in high-stakes games, combined with his experience as a proven ace, makes him a critical addition.
The signing also reflects the Dodgers’ aggressive approach to maintaining their championship window. Despite losing Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler to free agency, the team has moved quickly to retool its roster with high-profile additions.
Rotation Depth and Injury Concerns
The Dodgers are optimistic about the returns of All-Star right-hander Tyler Glasnow and three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw in 2025. Kershaw, who declined a $10 million player option in favor of free agency, is widely expected to re-sign with Los Angeles.
Other key rotation pieces include Dustin May, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Bobby Miller, who showed promise during his rookie season but struggled with consistency in 2024.
Financial Commitments
Snell’s deal adds to the Dodgers’ already significant payroll commitments, including Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million contract and Yamamoto’s $325 million agreement. Snell’s $36.4 million average annual value ranks fifth among active MLB contracts, behind only Ohtani, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Judge, and Jacob deGrom.
The Big Picture
With Snell’s signing, the Dodgers have firmly positioned themselves as favorites heading into the 2025 season. The combination of proven veterans and emerging talent creates a rotation with unmatched potential.
Final Takeaway
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Blake Snell signals their determination to remain at the top of MLB. By pairing Snell with Ohtani and Yamamoto, Los Angeles has crafted a rotation that could dominate for years to come. Fans can look forward to another thrilling season as the Dodgers aim to defend their title in 2025.
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