The Dodgers flex spending power by adding Blake Snell to their championship roster, making a bold statement in the MLB’s 2024-25 offseason. Just a year after securing the largest contract in baseball history for Shohei Ohtani and making Yoshinobu Yamamoto the highest-paid pitcher, the Dodgers are once again showing their commitment to excellence.
Fresh off their World Series victory, the Dodgers faced uncertainty in their pitching lineup due to injuries and departures. To address these concerns, they have signed Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract, significantly enhancing their pitching capabilities.
The announcement came directly from Snell, who shared a photoshopped image of himself in a Dodgers jersey on social media. His new deal includes a $52 million signing bonus and $62 million deferred, a strategy that helps the Dodgers manage their luxury tax obligations while avoiding opt-outs, which had previously made Snell available on the market.
The Dodgers have had their eye on Snell for years, dating back to when Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, drafted him while with the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite a strong performance last season, Snell’s market did not develop as anticipated, leading him to opt out of his contract with the Giants.
After returning from injury, Snell posted impressive statistics, including a 1.23 ERA and 114 strikeouts over 80.1 innings. His no-hitter on August 2 marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his potential as a top-tier pitcher.
Joining the Dodgers marks Snell’s third NL West team in as many years. The team is optimistic that his addition will elevate their pitching staff, which faced challenges during their championship run. With significant investments in Yamamoto and Glasnow last season, the Dodgers are now focused on strengthening their rotation.
Despite the injuries that plagued the team, including issues with Buehler, Glasnow, and Ohtani, the Dodgers managed to clinch the World Series title against the New York Yankees. The offseason presents an opportunity to bolster their roster further, especially given the need for a six-man rotation.
Snell’s signing introduces both risk and reward for the Dodgers. The combination of Snell and Ohtani, alongside Glasnow and Yamamoto, could create one of the most formidable pitching rotations in baseball.
The Dodgers’ offseason plans don’t stop with Snell. They are still in the running for Japanese star Roki Sasaki and remain contenders in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. With corner outfield positions to fill, the Dodgers’ quick action on Snell addresses a pressing need, leaving other teams in the league watching closely.
