Two-time Cy Young winner faces pressure to justify $182M deal amid injury history

[OSEN=Son Chan-ik Reporter] Can LA Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell prove his true worth on the fall stage and quell the 'flop' controversy?

On the 21st (Korean time), the U.S. sports media outlet 'Sports Illustrated', citing Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly, reported, "Even if the Dodgers fail to achieve a second consecutive World Series victory, major changes are unlikely, but Snell could be an exception." Kelly also analyzed, "Despite winning the Cy Young Award twice, Snell, who has yet to win a World Series, is under significantly more pressure than his other teammates."

Ahead of this season, Snell signed a massive five-year, $182 million contract (approximately 254.6 billion Korean won) with the Dodgers, drawing attention as the top free agent on the market. However, after making just two starts at the beginning of the season, he developed left shoulder inflammation and was placed on the 15-day injured list, stumbling out of the gate. A month and a half later, he moved to the 60-day injured list, remaining out of action for nearly four months.

However, he changed after his return. In his first month back, he posted an earned run average of 2.54. After allowing five runs in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on the 5th, he went on to pitch 13 consecutive scoreless innings over his next two starts, showcasing sharp pitching form.

Kelly emphasized, "Considering the massive contract and the frequent injuries in the Dodgers' starting rotation, Snell must pitch well for the remainder of the season. Otherwise, it will be difficult to avoid criticism as a 'flop.'"

For Snell, this fall is also a stage for personal redemption. In 2020, during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, he made two starts against the Dodgers in the World Series, recording one win, but his team lost the series. Notably, despite pitching 5⅓ innings with one run allowed in Game 6, he was pulled early, leaving a sense of regret. This fall presents an opportunity to overcome those memories.

The Dodgers' starting rotation has recently maintained dominant performance. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani holding down the rotation, if Snell, returning from injury, fulfills his role as a starting pitcher, the team could move closer to achieving back-to-back World Series championships.

Ultimately, this postseason is expected to be the stage that determines whether Snell proves the value of his massive contract or continues to face 'flop' controversy. If the Dodgers reclaim the top spot in the postseason, Snell is expected to establish himself as a true ace worthy of his massive contract and completely erase the 'flop' label. /what@osen.co.kr

Snell's Postseason Could Determine 'Flop' or Ace Legacy