Blake Snell says it was easy to decide to sign with Los Angeles Dodgers
Pitcher Blake Snell described signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an easy decision and acknowledged that Shohei Ohtani’s presence also influenced
LOS ANGELES — Blake Snelltwo-time Cy Young winner, assured that It was a very easy decision to sign. with Los Angeles DodgersWorld Series champions, and recognized that the presence of the three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani also influenced.
Snell was introduced Tuesday at Dodger Stadium accompanied by his agent Scott Boras. The left-hander finalized a five-year, $182 million contract last Saturday.
“It was really easy because Haeley and I wanted to live here, it’s something we’ve been talking about for a while,” Snell said, referring to his partner. “Then 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.”
Last month, Snell opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants to become a free agent for the second straight year after injuries slowed him down during his lone year with San Francisco.
Snell will receive a signing bonus of $52 million, which will be paid on January 25, and annual salaries of $26 million, of which $13.2 million each year will be deferred. Since Snell is a resident of Washington state, the signing bonus will not be subject to California income tax.
Ohtani, who signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract a year ago, had a historic first season with the Dodgers. He helped the franchise win its eighth World Series playing as a designated hitter and became National League MVP for the first time after winning the award twice in the American League.
“It helps to have him in the lineup, for sure. That’s a big motivation,” Snell said. “You want to be around players like that when you’re trying to be one of the best in the game. Yes, he played a big role.”
Snell, who turns 32 on Wednesday, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts this year, throwing a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 2, one of 16 individual shutouts in the majors this year. season. He recorded 145 strikeouts and walked 44 in 104 innings.
He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 with a left adductor strain and between June 2 and July 9 with a left groin strain.
Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays and 2023 with the San Diego Padres. He has a 76-58 record with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants.
