Dodgers Predicted to Enter a $35 Million Sweepstakes for All-MLB Ace
The Los Angeles Dodgers have spared no expense in their quest to have the most impactful offseason in MLB history, having already invested over $1 billion.
While much of their spending has been directed towards bolstering their starting rotation, including significant contracts for Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($325 million), James Paxton (at least $7 million), and retaining Clayton Kershaw (at least $5 million), there are indications that they could also pursue reigning National League Cy Young winner and All-MLB starting pitcher Blake Snell.
According to reports from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Snell’s agent, Scott Boras, has signaled a willingness to entertain short-term contracts with opt-outs, similar to deals secured by Matt Chapman (three years, $54 million) and Cody Bellinger (three years, $80 million).
In response, Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation has speculated that the Dodgers may indeed explore this option. McKain suggested that if Snell is inclined towards a shorter-term deal, the Dodgers could engage in negotiations to assess the potential cost of bringing him on board. This would likely involve structuring a multi-year deal with Snell having the option to opt out after the upcoming season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Could Use a Stop-Gap Starting Pitcher in Blake Snell
McKain further noted that while the Dodgers boast impressive pitching depth on paper, there are factors to consider. Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching in 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is accustomed to six-man rotations from his time in Nippon Professional Baseball, and several other starters have a history of injuries, including James Paxton, Clayton Kershaw, and Tyler Glasnow.
Given these circumstances, McKain believes that Blake Snell, despite his potential high cost of $35 to $40 million in average annual value (AAV), could serve as a crucial “stop-gap” solution to enhance the Dodgers’ chances of winning the World Series.
“If the price falls within the range of $35 to $40 million AAV for a shorter-term deal, the Dodgers might view Snell as the pitcher who fills that gap, bolstering their roster for the 2025 season,” he explained. “Could he act as a bridge while also providing depth for the current season?”
Without Even More Help, the World Series Is Far From Guaranteed for the Los Angeles Dodgers
With significant investments in both pitching and hitting during this offseason, combined with an already talented roster featuring players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Bobby Miller, the Los Angeles Dodgers seem poised to secure a spot in the 2024 postseason.
However, despite their consistent playoff appearances over the past 11 seasons, the Dodgers have faced challenges in making deep postseason runs. In the last two years, they were eliminated in the National League Division Series (NLDS).
Last season’s disappointing exit came as the Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Dodgers, primarily due to subpar pitching performances. Clayton Kershaw surrendered six runs in Game 1, while Bobby Miller struggled, giving up three runs in less than two innings in Game 2.
Even after their aggressive offseason moves, the Dodgers may still see an opportunity to strengthen their roster further to guard against a repeat of such postseason disappointments. With Blake Snell reportedly open to a short-term deal, there’s a chance for the Dodgers to bolster their pitching depth.
“Blake Snell, at a reduced rate, could be an attractive option for the Dodgers,” suggested McKain. “Especially considering his postseason track record and his recent strong performance as a pitcher. Perhaps they see him as the missing piece that could make a significant difference in their postseason aspirations.”