Alvin Garcia
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a statement last night by signing Blake Snell, adding a proven ace to their rotation. Coming off another stellar year in 2024, Snell’s combination of dominance, pitch versatility, and ability to suppress hard contact makes him an ideal addition to the Dodgers’ roster. Using Statcast data, it’s clear why this signing is a game-changer for Los Angeles.
Blake Snell’s 2024 campaign was one of his most impressive yet, with a 3.12 ERA and an exceptional xERA of 2.57. His .178 batting average against (BAA) ranked among the best in the league, a testament to his ability to stifle hitters. Snell also limited hard-hit contact, with opposing batters managing just an 86.5 mph average exit velocity and a 5.7% barrel rate, well below league averages.
What sets Snell apart is his ability to miss bats. His 34.7% strikeout rate in 2024 is elite, fueled by a devastating mix of pitches that keeps hitters guessing. His curveball and slider were particularly effective, with batting averages against them sitting at .111 and .167, respectively. These two pitches accounted for nearly 36% of his arsenal and generated whiff rates by almost 50%, showing just how lethal they are when he’s ahead in the count.
Snell relies on a versatile four-pitch mix, with a four-seam fastball (46.4%), curveball (26.1%), changeup (17.5%), and slider (10.0%). His fastball averaged 95.9 mph in 2024, with significant vertical movement that induced weak contact and limited slugging to just .303. Meanwhile, his curveball and changeup featured above-average horizontal and vertical movement, making them excellent tools for striking out batters and keeping the ball on the ground.
This diverse pitch mix allows Snell to adapt to different situations, whether going for the strikeout or inducing soft contact. The Dodgers, a team that values pitchers who can adjust mid-game and maximize efficiency, will benefit significantly from Snell’s adaptability.
Snell isn’t just a regular-season workhorse—he can perform on the biggest stages. From his Cy Young-winning season in 2018 to his clutch performances in the postseason, Snell has shown the poise and ability to dominate when it matters most. A pitcher with Snell’s experience and mentality is invaluable for a team with championship aspirations like the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff was a concern last season, especially in the postseason. Injuries and inconsistency left them vulnerable, exposing a lack of depth behind their top arms. Adding Snell not only gives the Dodgers another ace but also takes the pressure off younger arms, allowing them to develop prematurely without being thrust into high-leverage roles.
The Dodgers’ signing of Blake Snell is a masterstroke, addressing their need for a dominant left-handed starter while bolstering a rotation that needed reinforcements. Statcast data highlights Snell’s elite ability to suppress hard contact, miss bats, and adapt his pitch mix, making him a perfect fit for the Dodgers’ analytical approach to pitching.
With Snell in the fold, the Dodgers have taken a significant step toward solidifying their rotation and positioning themselves for another deep postseason run. This move isn’t just about adding another arm but the right arm for the job.
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