Tommy Edman Relieved to Have Blake Snell on His Team: “I Hated Facing Him”
Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Tommy Edman has expressed his relief and excitement about the team’s recent acquisition of left-handed pitcher Blake Snell. After signing a five-year, $182 million contract this offseason, Snell is expected to play a significant role in bolstering the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
Edman, who joined the Dodgers last season and played a key role in their 2024 World Series run, admitted he dreaded facing Snell when the southpaw was with other teams. Speaking to MLB Network Radio, Edman shared how challenging it was to hit against Snell.
“At one point this past year, I was looking at my stats against pitchers, trying to see which pitcher I have the most at-bats against with zero hits, and it was Snell,” Edman said. “I think I’m like 0-for-12 off him or something like that, so I’m glad I don’t have to face him anymore. He’s nasty. He’s a good pitcher.”
A Dominant Pitcher with a Stellar Track Record
Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball during the second half of the 2024 season. Despite battling injuries earlier in the year, Snell made a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a career-first no-hitter in August while playing for the San Francisco Giants. He posted a 1.64 ERA across six starts in August and an even more impressive 1.00 ERA in four September outings.
These performances solidified Snell’s status as one of the most sought-after free agents in the offseason. His signing with the Dodgers is viewed as a major coup for the organization, which is aiming to maintain its competitive edge and secure another World Series title.
The Dodgers’ Vision for Snell
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, is optimistic about Snell’s potential with the team. At the pitcher’s introductory press conference, Friedman expressed confidence that Snell’s best years may still be ahead of him.
“With a guy that’s enjoyed that much success, usually in major league free agency, you’re buying the back-side of a guy’s career, the accomplishments that they have had,” Friedman explained. “With Blake, one thing that’s really exciting for us is, for as much success as he’s had, we feel like there’s more in there and a lot of upside beyond what he’s done to this point. The impact that can have on us and our quest to win a World Series this year, and as many years as we can see out, is thrilling.”
The Dodgers are banking on Snell not only to replicate his previous success but also to elevate his game further as part of their well-rounded roster.
Snell’s Excitement to Join the Dodgers
Blake Snell is equally thrilled about joining the Dodgers, a team he describes as a powerhouse with a formidable lineup. The left-hander expressed his enthusiasm for being on the same side as the Dodgers’ elite hitters, rather than facing them.
“When you look at the team, you look at what they’ve built, what they’re doing, it’s just something you want to be a part of,” Snell said at his introductory press conference. “Look at the first three hitters in the lineup. It’s tough to go against. So to be on the other side and know they’re going to be hitting for me, it’s pretty exciting.”
Snell’s signing adds depth and star power to a Dodgers rotation that already boasts talented pitchers. With Snell’s proven ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, the Dodgers are positioning themselves as strong contenders for the 2025 season.
A Promising Partnership
For Tommy Edman, the prospect of having Snell as a teammate is particularly sweet. No longer having to face the pitcher who gave him so much trouble at the plate is a welcome change. Meanwhile, Snell’s addition further solidifies the Dodgers’ status as one of the most well-rounded teams in baseball.
Both Edman and Snell are eager to contribute to the Dodgers’ continued success, and with the 2025 season approaching, the team appears poised for another deep postseason run.
