Free-agent left-hander Blake Snell has signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to sources. The contract includes no opt-outs, some deferred money, and a $52 million signing bonus. This deal makes Snell the third-highest-paid left-handed pitcher in MLB history, behind David Price and Clayton Kershaw.
For the Dodgers, adding Snell to their roster gives them a frontline starter as they defend their World Series title. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team. The Dodgers now have a strong rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow.
Snell’s journey to the Dodgers was marked by ups and downs. After opting out of his previous deal with the San Francisco Giants, he struggled at the start of the 2024 season but bounced back to showcase his skills as one of the top pitchers in the league. His performance, especially in the latter part of the season, solidified his decision to test free agency again.
The Dodgers have been active in the free-agent market, signing several high-profile players to lucrative deals. This aggressive approach has made them favorites to win the 2025 World Series, according to ESPN BET. However, history shows that repeating as champions is no easy feat in MLB, with the last back-to-back winners being the New York Yankees in the late 90s.
Overall, Snell’s signing with the Dodgers adds another layer of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see how Snell contributes to the team’s success and whether the Dodgers can make history by securing another championship. Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB offseason unfolds.