This is the move to win the World Series for two consecutive years. The Los Angeles Dodgers has Blake Snell (32), who is considered the biggest free agent starting pitcher. Snell succeeded again as an FA.
MLB Network, ESPN, and LA Times said on the 27th (Korea time), “The Dodgers caught Snell. It is a five-year, 182 million-dollar contract. Only physical examinations remain. Further payment was included. The down payment alone is 52 million dollars.”
Snell also openly gave a hint. He uploaded a photo of himself wearing a Dodgers uniform on his SNS account. It is embarrassing to say no at this point.
Snell is a left-handed starter who represents the Major League Baseball (ML). He played for Tampa Bay, San Diego, and San Francisco. He also acquired the Cy Young Award from 2018 and 2023.
After finishing the 2023 season, he became a free agent. The market was cold. Eventually, he signed a two-year, 62 million-dollar contract with San Francisco. The deal included opt-out after a year. He was aiming for another try.
During the 2024 season, he recorded 104 innings, five wins, three losses and 145 strikeouts, and an earned run average of 3.12. He failed to prepare for the season due to delayed signing of contract. He was also listed on the injured list due to groin injury.
In the first half, he had three losses and an earned run average (ERA) of 6.31. He performed well in the second half. In 12 games, he recorded 68.1 innings, five wins and no losses, 103 strikeouts, and an 꽁머니 of 1.45. He returned to his role as Snell as everyone knew him.
He used the opt-out and came back to the market. And the Dodgers held hands. By signing a huge contract, he succeeded in re-using the FA.
The Dodgers suffered from a lack of starting pitchers. It ranks 19th overall in the league with an ERA of 4.23 for starters in the 2024 season. It ranks 10th in the National League, which required reinforcement. The result is recruitment of Snell.
Shohei Ohtani will return as a pitcher in the 2025 season. Yamamoto Yoshinobu, who had a good first year, is also a pitcher. Tyler Glasnow is also a top-notch pitcher if he is healthy. Dustin May has also signed a one-year contract.
Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty fell out as FA. It is unclear whether they will remain. Instead, they brought Snell and succeeded in strengthening it.