Blake Snell’s Decision to Join the Dodgers Was a ‘Really Easy’ Choice

The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a significant step toward bolstering their pitching staff this winter, signing ace left-hander Blake Snell to a lucrative five-year, $182 million contract. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, made his way to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, donning the team’s uniform just a day before his 32nd birthday. This move solidifies the Dodgers’ commitment to building a championship-caliber rotation capable of contending for titles in the seasons to come.

Blake Snell’s Background and Path to the Dodgers
The Dodgers have been keeping a close eye on Snell’s career since he was drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, was in a prominent role at Tampa Bay when Snell began his professional journey. Speaking about the decision, Friedman reflected, “Starting in the winter, in our internal meetings, all conversations kept coming back to Blake. I’ve known him since he was 18, and seeing his journey and incredible success has been really special.”

This year, Snell re-entered free agency after a stellar 2023 season with the San Diego Padres, where he posted a league-leading 2.25 ERA and struck out 234 batters in 180 innings. This performance earned him his second Cy Young award and made him only the seventh pitcher in MLB history to win the honor in both the American and National Leagues. His remarkable career average of 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest in MLB history, showcasing his elite ability on the mound.

A ‘Really Easy’ Decision for Snell
When asked about joining the Dodgers, Snell said, “It was really easy. You look at the team, what they’ve built, and what they’re doing. It’s just something you want to be a part of.” Snell’s excitement was palpable, especially given the power-packed lineup the Dodgers boast. “Look at the three first hitters in the lineup. It’s tough to go against. So to be on the other side and know they’re going to be hitting for me, it’s pretty exciting.”

A Rocky Start and Strong Finish to 2024
Snell’s 2024 season had an uneven start, as he struggled with a 9.51 ERA over his initial six starts due to a late March signing and lack of a traditional Spring Training. He also faced two stints on the injured list, which added to the challenge. However, after proper conditioning following his second IL stint, Snell transformed into one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. Over his final 14 starts, he delivered a phenomenal 1.23 ERA, amassed 114 strikeouts, and held opponents to a .123 batting average.

The high point of his season came on August 2, when Snell threw a no-hitter against the Reds, striking out 11 batters in the first complete game of his career. “I learned a lot in the first half,” Snell reflected on his struggles. “I tried to push through, and it didn’t work. But from that point on, I took more time, found my rhythm, and was able to sustain it through the rest of the season.”

Postseason Experience Adds Value
A critical aspect for the Dodgers is Snell’s proven postseason pedigree. His most notable postseason performance came in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series against the Dodgers, where he was pulled after 5 1/3 innings of dominant pitching. The Dodgers rallied after Snell’s departure to claim a 3-1 victory and their first World Series title since 1988. Now, with Snell joining their ranks, the Dodgers are poised to strengthen their chances of becoming the first team to win consecutive World Series titles in over two decades.

Strategic Vision for the Dodgers
Friedman underscored the strategic significance of signing Snell, saying, “We feel like we’ve got a really talented team in place. Everything we’ve done has been centered around ‘What can we do to put ourselves in the best position to succeed?’ We aim to make this period the golden era of Dodgers baseball. Adding someone with Blake’s talent and competitive spirit was an incredibly impactful move.”

Snell’s arrival, alongside other notable talents such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, marks a transformative period for the Dodgers. The team is actively seeking to add more depth to their rotation, with Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki among their targets. With this approach, Los Angeles aims to reclaim their dominant status and secure future championships, solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest teams in the modern era of baseball.