This day in Los Angeles Dodgers history was the introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium for Blake Snell after he signed a five-year, $182 million contract.
The Dodgers officially signed Snell on Nov. 30, 2024, and his press conference was held inside the Stadium Club on Dec. 3.
Snell was accompanied on the dais by agent Scott Boras, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes.
“Kind of starting with the winter and our internal meetings, and as we were getting together and talking about ways we could put ourselves in the best position to win a World Series in 2025, all conversations kept coming back to Blake,” Friedman said in his opening remarks.
“I’ve known him since he was 18 years old, and to watch his journey, watch the incredible success he’s had, has been really special. And with a guy that’s enjoyed that much success — usually in Major League free agency you’re buying the backside of a guy’s career and accomplishments they have had.
“With Blake, one thing that’s really exciting for us is, as much success as he’s had, we feel like there’s more in there and a lot of upside beyond what he’s done to this point and the impact that can have on us in our quest to win a World Series this year and as many years as we can see out. Looking back over the years, we’ve competed against Blake a lot.
“And you know the old adage, if you can’t beat him, just have him join us. We couldn’t beat him, so we’re going to have him join us and help us win a World Series next year and into the future. With that, it is our pleasure to introduce the newest member of the Dodgers, Blake Snell.”
Prior to signing with the Dodgers, Snell had already won two Cy Young Awards — one each in the American League and National League — and he was 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in 211 starts over nine seasons.
Snell additionally had pitched in the World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays, coincidentally against the Dodgers, but said winning a championship was a primary factor in joining L.A.
Although Snell missed time in 2025 because of a left shoulder injury, his first season with the Dodgers ended with capturing a World Series as the team went back-to-back.
Blake Snell’s contract details
Snell’s Dodgers contract included a $52 million signing bonus and $66 million in deferred salary that’s payable through July 1, 2046.
Snell is scheduled to receive annual payments of $5.5 million at the beginning of each July, from 2035-2046. Moreover, the Dodgers now hold a $10 million team option for a sixth season because Snell spent more than 90 days on the injured list in 2025.
However, Snell’s contract will only maintain the team option for 2030 if he is not traded at any point prior to that.
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