Blake Snell Praises Dodgers For Massive Free Agent Investments Despite Winning World Series in 2024
Blake Snell couldn’t stop smiling while answering questions on Saturday at the Los Angeles Dodgers annual DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium.
The former Cy Young winner has starred in Tampa Bay, San Diego, and San Francisco, but after signing a five-year deal with the Dodgers this winter, he is blown away by the front office’s commitment to investing in the team.
More news: Dodgers Named ‘Best Fit’ For Astros’ Alex Bregman in Potential Shocking Blockbuster Move
“To see how invested they are in us winning and being the best team they can possibly assemble, it’s pretty special,” Snell said. “And as a player, you love to be on that team.”
Seeing the Dodgers continue to sign high-quality players after agreeing to his contract was impressive for Snell. He wasn’t expecting Los Angeles to bring in so many free agents.
“I’m excited to see how well our bond is as a team,” Snell added.
The Dodgers were determined to sign Snell this offseason after talks fell through at the trade deadline last season in a last-minute effort to acquire him from the Giants.
As soon as Snell opted out of deal with San Francisco, the Dodgers immediately engaged in discussions.
The $182 million deal reunites him with with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who was the executive vice president of baseball operations for the Rays when the lefty was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay in 2011.
More news: Dodgers Are The ‘Best Team in The World’ Says $12.5 Million Infielder
Snell joins a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and the expected return of Clayton Kershaw, which is likely to be in the second half of the season once he re-signs. This group forms one of the best rotations baseball will see this year.
Since 2018, few pitchers have shown the level of dominance Snell has at his best.
The left-hander entered free agency for the first time after leading MLB with a 2.25 ERA and recording 234 strikeouts over 180 innings for the Padres in 2023. His performance earned him the National League Cy Young award, making him the seventh pitcher in MLB history to win the honor in both leagues, having previously won with the Rays in 2018.
He didn’t cash in last offseason, but got the massive contract he was looking for this offseason.
More news: Blake Snell Plans on Mentoring Bobby Miller as Dodgers Pitcher Aims to Bounce Back
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!
