Los Angeles Dodgers Make Splash Signing with Blake Snell
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a $182 million, five-year contract. Snell, accompanied by his agent Scott Boras, was introduced at Dodger Stadium last Tuesday, expressing his excitement about joining the World Series champions.
“It was really easy just cause me and Haeley wanted to live here, it’s something we’ve been talking about for a while,” Snell said, referring to his girlfriend. “Then you look at the team. You look at what they’ve built, what they’re doing. It’s just something you want to be a part of.”
The presence of three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani on the Dodgers roster also played a crucial role in Snell’s decision. Ohtani, who had a historic first season with the Dodgers, helped the team clinch their eighth World Series title. Snell expressed his motivation to be around players like Ohtani while striving to be one of the best in the game.
### Snell’s Contract Details
Snell’s contract includes a $52 million signing bonus, payable on Jan. 25, and annual salaries of $26 million, with $13.2 million deferred each year. As a Washington state resident, Snell will not be subject to California income tax on the signing bonus.
### Strong Rotation for the Dodgers
Snell joins Ohtani and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop the Dodgers’ rotation. With All-Star Tyler Glasnow set to return after recovering from a sprained elbow, the Dodgers boast a formidable pitching lineup for the upcoming season.
### Excitement for the Future
Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, expressed his excitement about adding Snell to the roster. Despite Snell’s impressive track record, Friedman believes there is even more potential for success with the Dodgers.
“We couldn’t beat him, so we’re going to have him join us,” Friedman said.
As Snell gears up to make his mark with the Dodgers, fans are eagerly anticipating his contribution to the team’s quest for another championship. With a strong roster and talented players like Snell and Ohtani leading the way, the Dodgers are poised for another successful season.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
