Blake Snell Signs 5-Year, $182 Million Contract with Los Angeles Dodgers

Left-handed pitcher Blake Snell has signed a significant five-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a major move for the team in the offseason. The deal is valued at $182 million and includes a $52 million signing bonus, along with a conditional $10 million option for the 2030 season.

The Dodgers’ swift action in securing Snell was influenced by the uncertainty surrounding Juan Soto‘s free agency. New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman revealed that the Yankees were unable to make an offer to Snell because they were awaiting clarity on Soto’s situation. Cashman stated that he informed Scott Boras, Snell’s agent, that he couldn’t make an offer until the Soto situation was resolved, and by the time the Yankees were ready, Snell had already signed with the Dodgers.

Snell, the 2023 National League Cy Young Award winner, had a stellar season with the San Francisco Giants, going 5-3 with a 3.02 ERA in 104 innings, along with 145 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.25. He also threw his first career no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. His performance significantly boosted his market value, leading to the lucrative contract with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers were keen on acquiring Snell, who has been one of MLB‘s most dominant pitchers since 2018, holding the highest career strikeouts per nine innings rate in MLB history at 11.2. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman highlighted Snell’s importance, noting that he was their top target this winter and that his addition is crucial for their World Series aspirations in 2025).