The Los Angeles Dodgers are making it clear—they’re not just content with their recent World Series victory. They’re doubling down to ensure they stay on top. On Tuesday night, the Dodgers made a massive splash in free agency, agreeing to a five-year, $182 million deal with two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, pending a physical. The deal includes a $52 million signing bonus and some deferred money, adding yet another marquee name to the team’s already impressive rotation.

This move underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to shoring up their pitching staff, a crucial area they hope will help them defend their title in 2025.

A New Ace Joins the Fold

Blake Snell, a 31-year-old southpaw, brings an impressive résumé to Los Angeles. Over his nine-year career, Snell has established himself as one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game, boasting a career 3.19 ERA and 1,368 strikeouts across 211 starts.

The Seattle native has already claimed two Cy Young Awards—one in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays and another in 2023 with the San Diego Padres. Known for his mid-90s fastball and a devastating mix of secondary pitches (curveball, changeup, and slider), Snell has consistently ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts, averaging a record 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings throughout his career.

Snell’s postseason track record is equally impressive, with a 3.33 ERA in 12 playoff appearances. When he’s at his best, there are few pitchers in the league more dominant.

Overcoming Challenges

While Snell’s talent is undeniable, his career has not been without hurdles. Durability and consistency have been recurring issues—he has surpassed 130 innings pitched in only two seasons, both of which resulted in Cy Young Awards. He has also experienced some inconsistent campaigns, including three seasons with an ERA north of 4.00.

Snell’s 2024 season was particularly turbulent. After signing with the San Francisco Giants in mid-March, Snell missed most of spring training and endured an injury-plagued start to the season. By the end of June, he had a 9.51 ERA and had made just six starts.

However, Snell turned things around in dramatic fashion during the second half of the season. Over his final 14 outings, he went 5-0 with an astonishing 1.23 ERA, a run that included a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. His late-season surge reestablished him as one of the top pitchers on the free-agent market.

Dodgers’ Rotation Reinforcement

Adding Snell is the latest in a series of high-profile pitching acquisitions by the Dodgers. Last offseason, they spent over $1 billion to land Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow. However, injuries plagued the rotation throughout the season, forcing the team to lean on a patchwork pitching staff during their playoff run.

Despite those challenges, the Dodgers rode a potent bullpen and an elite offense to a World Series title. Still, the front office recognized the need for more stability on the mound heading into 2025, particularly with plans to implement a six-man rotation as Ohtani returns to pitching.

Now, with Snell in the fold, the Dodgers’ rotation looks formidable. He joins a headlining group that includes Ohtani, Yamamoto, Glasnow, and potentially Clayton Kershaw, who is expected to re-sign with the team. Depth options like Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller further solidify the staff, giving the Dodgers greater flexibility and margin for error in case of injuries.

What’s Next?

While the addition of Snell is a major coup, the Dodgers may not be done yet. Free agents Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler have both expressed interest in returning, and the team is rumored to be a frontrunner for Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who is expected to sign with an MLB club in January.

With their sights set on a repeat championship, the Dodgers are leaving nothing to chance. By signing Snell, they’ve not only addressed a key offseason need but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: the Dodgers are here to dominate.

As the offseason unfolds, the Dodgers’ star-studded rotation and relentless pursuit of excellence make them the team to watch heading into 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Dodgers continue to build a roster capable of defending their title and solidifying their dynasty.