Blake Snell, the newly signed $182 million pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently made a surprising post-game confession that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. The two-time Cy Young Award winner revealed that his former team, the San Francisco Giants, did not even attempt to negotiate with him during free agency. This revelation has sparked discussions about the Giants’ strategy and why they allowed an elite pitcher to walk without a conversation.
In his candid statement, Snell expressed shock at the lack of communication from the Giants. “The Giants didn’t even talk to me… I thought they really liked me,” he admitted. Given that Snell had a solid stint with the Giants, finishing the 2024 season with a 5-3 record and a 3.12 ERA over 20 starts—including a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds—many expected San Francisco to at least engage in talks to bring him back. His strong performance, coupled with his connections to manager Bob Melvin and teammates like Matt Chapman and Logan Webb, made his departure even more surprising.
For the Giants, their reluctance to pursue Snell could indicate a shift in priorities. The team has been looking to rebuild and focus on younger talent, and committing to a long-term contract for a veteran pitcher may not have aligned with their vision. However, the decision not to even reach out to Snell has left some fans frustrated, especially considering his proven ability to perform on big stages.
On the other hand, the Dodgers wasted no time in securing Snell, signing him to a lucrative five-year, $182 million deal. His acquisition is part of the franchise’s aggressive offseason strategy to bolster their pitching rotation. Alongside other high-profile signings like Shohei Ohtani and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers are determined to build a dominant roster capable of defending their 2024 World Series title.
Snell’s addition to the Dodgers’ already stacked rotation makes them even more formidable. He brings postseason experience, an elite strikeout rate, and a competitive edge that fits well with the Dodgers’ championship aspirations. With his arrival, Los Angeles now boasts one of the deepest and most talented pitching staffs in Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers’ home opener showcased the team’s confidence and chemistry, with spirits running high among both players and fans. Snell’s presence on the roster has added to the excitement, as many are eager to see how he performs in a Dodgers uniform. While he will have to adjust to a new clubhouse, his talent and experience should make for a smooth transition.
Meanwhile, Giants fans are left wondering if their team made the right call by letting Snell walk so easily. If he excels in Los Angeles while San Francisco struggles with pitching depth, it could lead to questions about the front office’s decision-making. For now, though, Snell is focused on the future, ready to prove his worth in Dodger blue and help lead his new team toward another championship run.