Dave Roberts points out major edge Blake Snell brings to Dodgers after $182,000,000 move

In this year's Hot Stover Season, the LA Dodgers made a blockbuster move by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. The left-hander agreed to a five-year, $182 million deal with the club, which includes a $52 million signing bonus.

Snell’s addition to the Dodgers’ starting rotation strengthens an already star-studded group that features Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.

On the latest episode of the "Dodgers Territory" podcast, manager Dave Roberts talked about the signing of Blake Snell and its potential impact on the team’s mentality moving forward.

"The thing that I really love is not only the talent, but it's a guy that hasn't won a championship," Roberts said. It's hard to quantify hunger, and this guy wants it really bad. That's why he chose to sign with the Dodgers." (23:44 onwards)

Roberts also praised Snell’s accomplishments, emphasizing the left-hander’s ability to elevate the team’s culture.

"He's a guy that's won the ultimate pitching award, the Cy Young (twice). He has pitched in the biggest ball games and has performed. From what I've heard, his work ethic is top notch. I think that other guys on our team can certainly follow (him)."

Roberts, a two-time World Series-winning manager, is well-acquainted with Snell’s skills. The lefty faced the Dodgers in the 2020 World Series while with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Afterward, Blake Snell moved to the Dodgers’ NL West rival, the San Diego Padres, where he played for three seasons, followed by a single season with the San Francisco Giants.

Blake Snell's decorated career

The Dodgers' rotation got even stronger with the addition of Snell, who was one of the top free agents on the market. Last season, Snell posted a 5-3 record with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts for the Giants.

In his nine-year MLB career, Snell has won the Cy Young Award in both leagues. He first earned the honor with the Rays in 2018, leading the American League with 21 wins and a 1.89 ERA.

He won his second Cy Young in 2023 with the Padres, a season in which he was also named to the All-MLB First Team and led the National League in ERA.

Snell’s career highlights also include pitching a no-hitter on Aug. 2, 2024, against the Cincinnati Reds — his first win as a Giant.