Blake Snell: Dodgers Contract a 'Really Easy' Decision, LA 'Where You Want to Play'

Blake Snell didn't have to think too hard when offered the chance to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason.

"It was really easy, just because me and [partner] Haeley wanted to live here," he told reporters. "It's something we've been talking about for a while. And when you look at the team, you look at what they've built, what they're doing, it's just something you want to be a part of. Look at the first three 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."

Snell added: "Being in L.A., the pressure is always on. I like that. Living here, it's pretty amazing, the opportunities. But being able to pitch in a packed stadium, you know, you make moments for people, and this is where you want to play. I don't think there's a better situation that you could be in than being right here."

It probably didn't hurt that the Dodgers offered him a five-year, $182 million contract, which included a $52 million signing bonus and $66 million deferred between 2035-46, which will help the team circumvent the luxury tax threshold as it continues to stockpile stars.

He's the latest high-profile addition to L.A.'s rotation, following last winter's signings of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani could also potentially return to the mound next season after spending the 2024 campaign as a designated hitter only due to a UCL injury.

Snell was also a free agent last season, but didn't receive the sort of offers he expected after winning the 2023 NL Cy Young award. Instead, he signed a two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants that included a player opt-out for 2025, which he exercised.

The 31-year-old didn't replicate his 2023 form, partially hampered by a slow start to the season after signing with the Giants in March, but he still finished a solid 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 104 innings (20 starts).

He was fantastic between early July and the end of September, posting a 1.23 ERA with 114 strikeouts and 30 walks across 80.3 innings. And now he'll join a star-studded Dodgers team that will absolutely be expected to repeat as champions (and might not be done making major splashes in free agency).