Shohei Ohtani did not actively recruit Blake Snell but nonetheless was a factor in his decision to sign a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Snell was the first big signing of 2024 free agency when he and the Dodgers agreed to terms on Nov. 30. He chose L.A. over other options such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.
The chance to join a contender and compete for a World Series was a big motivator for Snell, as was all of the positive aspects of playing for a Dodgers organization that is the premier destination in baseball.
Not to be forgotten is the culture of the franchise that has been cultivated for almost a decade at this point and the chance to have Ohtani as a teammate.
“It helps with him in the lineup, for sure. That’s big motivation. I just think the team in general is so good. It’s sound, they enjoy playing the game together. It makes you want to be a part of that,” Snell said.
“With Shohei, the name, everything he’s done in his career is amazing. You want to be around players like that when you’re trying to be one of the best in the game. So it played a big part.”
Snell got an in-depth look at Ohtani with the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants going head to head 13 times during the 2024 season. Ohtani terrorized the Giants in those games with a .302 batting average, four home runs, 10 RBI and seven runs scored.
Snell held up well in his one start against the Dodgers last season, holding Ohtani hitless in three at-bats with one strikeout and one walk.
Blake Snell’s deferred salary from Giants contract
While the Snell will be with the Dodgers for the next five seasons, the Giants still owe him a signing bonus, which he will receive in 2026, as part of their two-year, $62 million contract.
Snell opted out of that deal this offseason in order to become a free agent for the second consecutive year.
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