The Los Angeles Dodgers aggressively improved almost all parts of their team this offseason and are set to have the best starting rotation in the major leagues.
However, pitching is always a bit uncertain, and that's why Harold Reynolds of MLB Network suggested the Dodgers could be interested in two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
“You want my sleeper? The shocker? Dodgers,” Reynolds said while projecting possible landing spots for Snell. He pointed out that the Dodgers' pitchers are dealing with injuries and other things, making Snell a potential addition.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Might Consider Blake Snell as a Temporary Solution for the 2024 Rotation
As Reynolds mentioned, the rival San Diego Padres traded for Dylan Ceaseand greatly improved their own rotation. Meanwhile, the Dodgers spent $325 million to get Yamamoto, but he has had mixed results on the field this preseason, with a high 8.38 ERA in 9.2 innings over three starts. The Dodgers' potential rotation is strong on paper but prone to injury. Buehler is recovering from surgery and may start late. Two new pitchers, Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton, have a history of injuries..
In the end, pitching staffs are always risky, and if the Dodgers want more assurance that their pitchers can get them to the postseason, Snell would give them great security. Kershaw is He had the best 2.25 ERA in the MLB last season, earning his second Cy Young Award and All-MLB first team honors in 32 starts. Blake Snell Is Now Seeking a $66 Million Deal and The Dodgers would likely not be in the running for Snell if he wanted a long-term contract, but it seems he is open to a shorter deal that would allow him to test the market again soon.“Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell has told the Houston Astros that he’s open to joining them on a short-term deal, but he wants at least a two-year guarantee for $66 million, including an opt-out after the 2024 season,”
Bob Nightengale reported for USA Today
As a result, the Dodgers might see Snell as an attractive temporary option for the 2024 season while other pitchers recover from injury, Yamamoto adjusts to MLB hitters, and Shohei Ohtani takes a break from pitching. “If it comes down to him choosing a shorter deal, then the Dodgers might as well reach out to see how much it would cost to bring him in here” on a multi-year deal that would allow Snell to opt out after this season, Doug McKain projected for Dodgers Nation . “Can he provide that bridge while also giving you depth this season?”.
If the Dodgers decide not to pursue Snell, they may face tougher competition in their division. Nightengale reported that the San Francisco Giants “remain in the picture for Snell” and are waiting to see if his price drops.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are being considered as a surprise contender in the competition to sign free agent Blake Snell, who wants a two-year contract.
“Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell has informed the Houston Astros that he’s willing to sign a short-term deal to join them, but is seeking at least a two-year guarantee for $66 million, that includes an opt-out after the 2024 season,” Bob Nightengale reported for USA Today.
As a result, the Dodgers might see Snell as an attractive stopgap option for the 2024 season as other starters recover from injury, Yamamoto adjusts the MLB hitters and Shohei Ohtani takes a season off from pitching.
“If it comes down to him picking a shorter-term deal, then the Dodgers say, … ‘Hey, we might as well at least make contact to see how much it would cost to bring you in here’ on what would ultimately be a multi-year deal that would allow Snell to opt out after this season,” Doug McKain projected for Dodgers Nation. “Can he provide that bridge while also giving you depth this season?”
If the Dodgers don’t opt to bring on Snell, they may face stronger competition in their division. Nightengale reported that the San Francisco Giants “remain in the picture for Snell” and are waiting to see if his price drops.