Dodgers Sign Two-Time Cy Young Winner in Major Free-Agent Move
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly reached an agreement with top pitching free agent Blake Snell on a five-year, $182 million deal, pending a physical, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The contract includes a $52 million signing bonus and some deferred money, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
Snell himself announced the deal by posting a photo of himself in a Dodgers jersey on Instagram with the caption, “LA.”
Snell’s connection to the Dodgers runs deep. Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, originally drafted and developed Snell while he was part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ front office.
Snell also played alongside Tyler Glasnow for three seasons with the Rays, including in the 2020 World Series, where they faced off against the Dodgers.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner had an eventful season with the San Francisco Giants. After signing late in the offseason, joining the team during the final week of spring training, he struggled early, posting a 9.51 ERA through his first six games and failing to pitch past the fifth inning in any start. He was also sidelined for a month due to a groin injury.
However, upon his return from the injured list, Snell regained his form, posting a dominant 1.23 ERA in his last 14 starts, striking out 114 batters, and allowing only 14 home runs. He also threw his first career no-hitter on August 2 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Snell will be a key addition to the Dodgers’ 2025 rotation, which will likely feature several pitchers returning from injury, including Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May.
Yankees Pursue Juan Soto Despite Adding Top Pitching Talent
The New York Yankees are reportedly pursuing star outfielder Juan Soto in free agency, even as the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a major move by signing ace pitcher Blake Snell. As part of their plans, the Yankees have reached out to other top free agents, including former Cy Young winners Max Fried and Corbin Burnes, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.
Though the Yankees have not yet made offers to Fried or Burnes, they are exploring all options in case their pursuit of Soto falls through. The Yankees remain focused on re-signing Soto, who hit 41 home runs last season, recorded a .989 OPS, and finished third in MVP voting.
Soto is expected to command a massive contract, potentially worth over $600 million, with a preference for a long-term deal of 15 years or more, including opt-outs. The Yankees are willing to meet those demands, but other teams, such as the Mets and Dodgers, could also be strong contenders.
The 25-year-old Soto may be swayed by the Yankees’ offer, though the competition is fierce, with the Dodgers and Mets both offering strong postseason prospects.
Montreal Canadiens’ Patrik Laine Takes Financial Hit After Condo Sale Patrik Laine, who was traded to the Montreal Canadiens this summer, has reportedly suffered a financial setback after selling his condo in Columbus at a loss. Laine purchased the condo for $2.475 million when he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets but sold it for $2.3 million, resulting in a $175,000 loss.
Despite this loss, Laine, who has earned around $50 million in his NHL career, is expected to recover financially given his ongoing $6 million-per-year salary. Laine will look to move past his struggles in Columbus and focus on his future with Montreal, where he hopes to help the Canadiens return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sam Darnold Welcomes Daniel Jones to Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold expressed excitement about joining forces with Daniel Jones, who is signing with the Vikings after being released by the New York Giants. Darnold, who has enjoyed a strong season with a 9-2 record and 21 touchdown passes, sees Jones’ experience as a valuable asset for the team.
Jones, who has struggled with the Giants, will not challenge for the starting role this season but could be given a chance to compete next offseason. Darnold has praised Jones for his leadership and experience, and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell shares a similar view, noting the potential for Jones to revitalize his career in Minnesota.
Fred Warner’s Injury Raises Concerns for 49ers
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner revealed that he has been playing through a fractured ankle this season, an injury sustained during a Week 4 win over the New England Patriots. Despite receiving painkillers before every game, Warner has continued to play, though his performance has declined. His Pro Football Focus grade has dropped significantly since the injury, and his struggles were evident in a Week 12 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
While Warner’s determination to play is commendable, there are growing concerns about the long-term impact of pushing through the injury. Recovering from a fractured ankle can take 12-16 weeks, and continuing to play may cause further damage. With the 49ers’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, it might be time for the team to consider resting Warner for the remainder of the season to avoid further risk to his health.