Los Angeles Dodgers starter Blake Snell outlined his goals for the upcoming MLB season following the Dodgers’ disappointing end to 2026.
Snell pitched well for the Dodgers when he was healthy, posting a 1.90 ERA across nine regular season starts, but a shoulder injury followed by surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow kept him on the sidelines for the majority of the season. The southpaw is well aware of his injury struggles since joining the team, and is aiming to overcome them next season.
“The standard is for us to get to the World Series and win it, but we fell short,” Snell said. “There’s a lot I could’ve done better. For me, personally, it’s pitch a full season, dominate, and just be the best version of me for a full season.”
How Has Blake Snell Pitched With the Dodgers?
The Dodgers signed Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract before the 2025 season, but he’s only pitched 20 times in the regular season since signing his deal.
He dealt with inflammation in his throwing shoulder last season, keeping him on the injured list for the majority of the season, but still managed 11 starts with the team. He had a 2.5 ERA through 61.1 innings in 2025, striking out 72 batters across those starts.
Snell also pitched six times in the postseason, posting a 3.18 ERA during the Dodgers’ World Series run.
2025’s long season took its toll on Snell at the beginning of 2026, as his shoulder injury reappeared and kept him on the injured list for a couple of months before he came back for a single game before landing back on the IL with loose bodies in his elbow. He had a 1.90 ERA through nine appearances this year and also pitched twice in the playoffs, allowing five runs in 9.2 innings.
At his best, Snell is a two-time Cy Young winner, and earned those awards in the only two seasons during which he has pitched 30 or more times in the regular season. If he can manage a full healthy season with the Dodgers, he’s sure to have similar results with the quality he has.
Do you think Blake Snell can win a Cy Young award with the Dodgers if he manages a healthy season?
