In the biggest move of the offseason to this point, the Dodgers added onto their superteam, inking Blake Snell to a massive five-year, $182 million contract. It’s a deal that has massive implications for the Atlanta Braves, both positive and negative.
The Positive: Dodgers Likely Out on Max Fried
The Dodgers’ decision to splurge on Snell might effectively remove them from the Max Fried sweepstakes. While Los Angeles is known for its deep pockets, their current rotation is loaded. With Snell now on board and stars like Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow expected to return from injuries, there’s little room — or need — for another high-priced ace.
For teams hoping to sign Fried, this should be a welcome relief. The Dodgers have long been a feared competitor in free agency, and their absence from Fried’s market should open up opportunities for other clubs.
The Downside: Fried’s Price Tag Just Skyrocketed
If Snell commands $182 million over five years, what does that mean for Fried? As one of the game’s most consistent left-handers, Fried is in line to demand a similar — if not higher — payday. While Snell boasts two Cy Young Awards and tantalizing upside, Fried’s reliability over the past half-decade is unmatched.
For the Braves, this poses a tough question: Can they afford Fried? Based on the team’s recent approach to contract negotiations, it’s hard to imagine Atlanta going near that $35-million-per-year range.
The Bigger Picture: A Dodgers Superteam
Beyond the implications for Fried, the Dodgers’ aggressive offseason is yet another reminder of their dominance. With two World Series titles since 2020, the Dodgers aren’t just reloading — they’re building a juggernaut. Unlimited resources and a win-at-all-costs mentality make them perennial threats in the National League.
For the Braves, this makes their path to the Fall Classic even more daunting. While parity has been a hallmark of baseball — with no team winning back-to-back championships in over two decades — the Dodgers seem intent on rewriting that narrative.
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The Dodgers’ signing of Blake Snell is a game-changer, not just for their rotation but for the entire league. For the Braves, it offers a mix of relief and unease: Los Angeles might be out on Fried, but the rising cost of elite pitching and a stacked Dodgers roster signal stiff competition in the years ahead.
The offseason isn’t over yet, but the Dodgers intent is evident. They are all-in. Will the Braves have what it takes to keep pace?
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Photo: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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