When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed top free agent pitcher Blake Snell, MLB fans everywhere let out a collective sigh.
Los Angeles has recently developed a habit of snatching up high-profile free agents with absurdly long contracts studded with deferred money. Snell became the latest example of the Dodgers' winning strategy when he announced the signing via Instagram on Nov. 26. The lefty agreed to wear Dodger Blue for five years at $182 million, including some deferred money.
The Boston Red Sox had been linked to Snell plenty of times. They need a veteran and a southpaw to round out their rotation, and Snell, who didn't sign until after spring training began last season, likely would've liked to get a long-term deal out of the way quickly this year. He did, but not with Boston.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that Boston was the second-most interested team in signing Snell. In an interview with Dodgers Nation, he also explained why Los Angeles is a better fit.
“The Red Sox really wanted Snell, and this is a much better deal for Snell in the sense that he’s from Seattle. He’s used to the West Coast. I’m not sure how he would have fared in Boston," Nightengale said.
Snell is a Seattle native and has shown a preference for West Coast teams since he hit free agency for the first time in 2024. After spending three seasons with the Padres, Snell transitioned to NorCal to play for the Giants and, just one season later, he'll be headed to sunny Los Angeles to continue his career for the Dodgers.
Snell posted a 3.12 ERA over 104 innings with the Giants last season, but his ERA was inflated by his rough start to the season. He clocked a 1.45 ERA through 12 starts in the second half and tossed the first no-hitter of his career at the beginning of August.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale says Red Sox were the second-most interested team in Blake Snell
Snell is notorious for his high walk rate, which left some MLB fans puzzled at his check from Los Angeles. He clocked 44 walks and a 19th-percentile walk rate in 2024, a step up from his 99 walks in 2023, but the free passes still raise questions about his consistency. The Red Sox may have lucked out if a deal the size of Snell's LA contract is the only one he would've taken.
Stealing one of Boston's prime free agent targets is a return to form for the Dodgers. They signed Teoscar Hernández from right under the Sox's feet last year and Snell was one of the best lefty starters available this winter. LA's signing of Snell put additional emphasis on Boston's pursuit of Max Fried, the only true lefty "ace" remaining on the market.
The Dodgers got to Snell first and left the Red Sox with only one lefty choice for their rotation. Fried is sure to be even more hotly coveted than Snell was before he signed the deal that likely set the pitching market. Despite their renewed desire to spend to be competitive, the Red Sox can't break free of second place behind the Dodgers.