Dodgers Land Snell on a Five-Year, $182 Million Deal

 

WEDNESDAY NOV 27TH: The Los Angles Dodgers are wasting no time solidifying their position as baseball's most powerful team again. Just weeks after clinching their second World Series title in four years (2020, 2024), they have acquired left-hander Blake Snell on a blockbuster five-year, $182 million contract, pending a physical. The agreement, reported by multiple sources, includes deferred money, giving the Dodgers some financial flexibility as they look to maintain their championship caliber team. 

For Snell, this deal marks a journey filled with a collection of remarkable seasons leading back to the top of his game. The 32-year old southpaw is coming off a stellar season with the San Francisco Giants, where he posted a 3.12 ERA, a 1,05 WHIP, and 145 strikeouts across 104 innings. Though limited by injuries in 2024, Snell's dominance on the mound was remarkable, and his career leading 11.2 K/9 rate underscores his status as one of the most electric strikeout arms in the game.    

This signing follows a career which has been revitalized leading Snell to collect his second Cy Young Award in 2023 with the San Diego Padres. The lefty has now moved across California to join a Dodgers rotation that looks primed to dominate in 2025. 

A Prefect Fit for the Post World-Series Dodgers

Adding Snell is a "win again" move for a Dodgers team fresh off another championship parade. After a 2024 season defined by their pitching depth and balance, they've added ta op-tier arm to anchor their rotation for years to come. With Clayton Kershaw reported to take a limited role, Snell fits the void as a potential ace of the rotation filled with both experience and youth. 

Moreover, Snell's addition speaks to the Dodgers' savvy recruiting abilities centered around a culture of building the best team in baseball. His absence of opt-outs ensures long-term stability, and the deferred moeny gives them flexibility to address other needs. The Dodgers clearly aren't just resting on their tails but building a dynasty destined to chase records and more championships. 

Projecting the 2025 Rotation  

With Snell in the mix, the Dodgers' rotation looks as resilient as ever. Here is how it could shape-up: 

1. Shohei Ohtani (RHP): The ultimate two-way superstar has a nasty fastball - splitter combination that gets batters out. One of the best arms in baseball. 
2. Blake Snell (LHP): The two-time Cy Young winner brings elite swing and miss stuff and big game pitching experience. 
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP): The 25-year old phonem offers a complete mmix of high level pitches, pinpoint control and big game experience, making him a great co-ace.  
4. Tyler Glasnow (RHP): Acquired via trade, Glasnow offers ace level talent with a devastating fastball-slider combo, when healthy, which remains a question. 
5. Bobby Miller (RHP): Miller's development could give the Dodgers a lethal top three in the rotation.
6. Tony Gonsolin (RHP): If healthy, Gonsolin's consistency and veteran presence will play a key role at the back of the rotation. 
7. Dustin May (RHP): Returning from Tommy John, May electric fastball and movement make him a potential difference maker in the middle to bottom of the rotation. 

Never mind the fact that if Clayton Kershaw accepts his player offer for 2025, he could be a part of the mix, although it would be expected in a limited capacity. Moving froward, there is no question that the addition of Snell has added exceptional talent to a rotation that is already filled with a plethora of world-class arms. The only question that looms is how healthy will the rotation be, and can they remain healthy throughout 2025?