The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a major roster addition by signing free-agent ace pitcher Blake Snell to a multi-year contract, according to reports confirmed by MLB.com on November 27, 2024. The two-time Cy Young Award winner joins the defending World Series champions as the franchise reinforces its pitching rotation ahead of the 2025 Major League Baseball season.
Blake Snell Contract Details and Financial Terms
Blake Snell agreed to a five-year contract worth $182 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the second year, allowing the left-hander to test free agency again following the 2026 season if he chooses. Snell previously opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants after making 20 starts in 2024, during which he posted a 5-3 record and a 3.12 ERA alongside 145 strikeouts.
Rotation Impact and Historic Payroll Context
The acquisition of Blake Snell adds a premier arm to a Dodgers starting rotation that is set to welcome back Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow from various injuries and rehabilitation programs for the 2025 campaign. According to MLB.com, Snell’s arrival continues a busy offseason for Los Angeles front office executive Andrew Friedman, who aims to maintain the franchise’s dominance following their 2024 World Series title. Snell brings an elite track record, including National League Cy Young honors in 2023 with the San Diego Padres and American League Cy Young honors in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays, making him just the seventh pitcher in MLB history to win the award in both leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Cy Young Awards has Blake Snell won? Blake Snell has won two Cy Young Awards: one in the American League in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays and one in the National League in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, according to MLB records.
- What team did Blake Snell play for before joining the Dodgers? Before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Blake Snell pitched for the San Francisco Giants during the 2024 MLB season, according to ESPN.
- Does Blake Snell’s contract include an opt-out? Yes, according to reports from ESPN, the five-year, $182 million deal includes an opt-out clause after the second year.