How does Blake Snell’s signing with the Dodgers affect the starting pitcher market?

Blake Snell’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers is the kind of move that sends shockwaves through baseball. The reigning World Series champions didn’t just bolster their rotation - they changed the dynamics of the pitching market for the offseason.

Snell’s signing was swift and decisive, a stark contrast to his previous free agency stint when he waited until March to land a deal with the Giants. This time, the 31-year-old left-hander secured a five-year, $182 million contract before Thanksgiving, locking in his future through 2029.

An NL executive summed it up succinctly: “The rich get richer. He’s a stud when he’s on the field. His only issue is whether he can stay Healthy - and five years is a long time. But in the Dodgers’ situation, there’s very little risk there.”

Dodgers Reload, Others Regroup

With Snell in the fold, the Dodgers’ rotation looks formidable. He joins a staff that already boasts Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and potentially Shohei Ohtani, who is recovering from surgery but expected to pitch again. Veteran Clayton Kershaw is also likely to return, while Dustin May, Bobby Miller, and Tony Gonsolin provide enviable depth.

The Dodgers aren’t done yet either. They’re heavily favored to land Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki once he is posted, signaling an aggressive approach to their pitching staff.

For teams in need of starting pitching, Snell’s deal heightens the urgency to act. His $182 million contract - one of the first major moves of the offseason - sets a high bar for other top-tier arms.

AL East Clubs Left Scrambling

The Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles all reportedly pursued Snell before he chose the Dodgers. Now, these AL East contenders must reassess their options.

Boston and New York, in particular, are in the market for left-handed starters. Max Fried is the most coveted option left, but a bidding war between the rivals could drive up the price. If one lands Fried, the other may turn to the trade market, where White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet is a potential target.

An NL executive drew a clear line between Fried and the rest of the lefty field: “Totally different tier. Whoever misses out on Fried may have no choice if they’re hell-bent on adding an impact left-handed starter.”

Baltimore, meanwhile, faces its own challenges. With ace Corbin Burnes on the free-agent market, the Orioles need to decide whether they’ll splurge to retain him or pivot to alternatives like Jack Flaherty, Nathan Eovaldi, or even Fried. Burnes, having just turned 30, is likely to command a deal surpassing Snell’s in both length and total value.

Given the Orioles’ deep farm system, they’re also well-positioned to explore trades. If Crochet becomes available, Baltimore is seen as a strong contender to land him.

Snell’s Timing Shapes the Market

Snell’s quick signing also stands out for its timing. In contrast to last year’s sluggish free-agent period, this offseason has seen brisk activity. The Angels have already made multiple moves, while the Royals locked up Michael Wacha early.

Snell’s deal, the first nine-figure contract of the offseason, is a harbinger of a busy winter. Other marquee free agents like Burnes, Fried, and Roki Sasaki are now poised to push the market even higher.

What Comes Next

The Dodgers’ acquisition of Snell solidifies their rotation and underscores their status as 2025 contenders. For other teams, it’s a wake-up call. The clock is ticking on the offseason, and the pool of elite starters is only getting smaller.

Whether it’s through big-money signings or blockbuster trades, the race to fill out rotations is on. And as Snell settles into Dodger blue, the rest of the league must scramble to keep up.

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