The Dodgers have made a major move by reaching an agreement with Blake Snell on a lucrative five-year contract. The deal, pending a physical, is worth $182MM with around $60MM in deferrals, bringing the net present value to the $160-165MM range. Snell, represented by the Boras Corporation, will receive a $52MM signing bonus and limited no-trade protection, along with a $5MM assignment bonus in case of a trade. The contract spans Snell’s age 32-36 seasons and does not include any opt-out provisions.
This signing marks a significant moment in the offseason and comes much quicker than Snell’s previous free agent experience. After a standout Cy Young-winning season the previous year, Snell struggled to secure a long-term deal and ended up signing with the Giants for two years and $62MM. However, he opted out after the first season to explore free agency further.
Despite a rough start to the season, with multiple stints on the injured list due to groin discomfort, Snell turned his performance around dramatically. He finished the season strong, showcasing dominant pitching and leading to his decision to opt out of the remainder of his contract with the Giants.
Snell’s late-season performance was exceptional, with a 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts and an impressive strikeout rate. While his overall numbers for the season were solid, they didn’t earn him any Cy Young votes, unlike his exceptional 2018 campaign with the Rays.
The Dodgers are banking on Snell’s potential and his ability to perform as a top-tier starter in the postseason. With a rotation filled with talented arms like Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Glasnow, along with upcoming prospects and potential acquisitions, the Dodgers are building a formidable pitching staff geared towards playoff success.
Snell’s signing reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to investing in elite pitching talent, despite the financial implications of exceeding the luxury tax threshold. The deal positions the Dodgers as frontrunners to contend for another World Series title, building on their recent success and deepening their pitching roster.
Overall, Snell’s addition to the Dodgers’ rotation bolsters their already impressive lineup of pitchers and sets the stage for a strong postseason push in the coming years.
