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Blake Snell's second stint in MLB free agency ended much more favorably than his first. The two-time Cy Young winner secured a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Snell didn’t receive a qualifying offer this year, as he had turned one down last season. His 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants was inconsistent, starting with a 9.51 ERA through his first six starts. However, after returning from the injured list in July, Snell finished strong with a 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts. This impressive finish, coupled with his strikeout numbers (114 K's in 80 1/3 innings), helped him become one of the top free agents heading into the offseason.
Blake Snell Joins the Dodgers’ Super Rotation
Snell’s new deal with the Dodgers significantly strengthens their rotation for 2025. The team, despite their success in 2024, had a clear need for starting pitchers after losing Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler to free agency. With Snell joining forces with other potential stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw (who is expected to re-sign), the Dodgers' pitching staff looks formidable — assuming all players stay healthy.
Dodgers’ Pursuit of More Talent
Although the Dodgers have a strong rotation on paper, their recent postseason struggles due to injuries highlight the need for further depth. The team may not be done adding talent, with potential additions like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried still possible. A reunion with Buehler or Flaherty also remains on the table, as well as the exciting possibility of landing Roki Sasaki on a low-cost deal.
Snell's Previous Free Agency Experience
Last offseason, after winning the 2023 NL Cy Young Award, Snell entered free agency with high expectations. However, despite reportedly turning down a six-year, $150 million offer from the New York Yankees, he ended up taking a short-term deal with the San Francisco Giants. The uncertainty surrounding his free agency was a significant contrast to his successful 2024 offseason.
Blake Snell’s journey from uncertainty to landing a major contract with the Dodgers shows the unpredictable nature of free agency, especially for players with injury concerns. Now, Snell is poised to make a significant impact as part of the Dodgers' rotation, potentially helping the team reach new heights in 2025.
