When Blake Ashton Snell, a 32‑year‑old right‑hander, was named the postseason ace for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 29 2025, the baseball world took notice. The announcement came from Andrew Friedman, the club’s President of Baseball Operations, who said the move was designed to finally give the franchise a reliable starter for October. The Dodgers, who will open the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 27, are banking on Snell’s 7‑4 postseason record and 3.01 ERA. Across the league, the Toronto Blue Jays—led by manager John Schneider—are preparing to face a pitcher who just logged a 15‑7 regular‑season line (2.98 ERA, 243 strikeouts) for Los Angeles.

Background: Snell’s journey to Los Angeles

Born Dec. 4, 1992, in Seattle, Washington, Snell was a high‑school standout at Shorewood before the Tampa Bay Rays drafted him in the Competitive Balance Round A of the 2011 MLB Draft (52nd overall). He made his major‑league debut April 23, 2016, and spent eight seasons in the American League, earning a reputation as a high‑strikeout workhorse but also a pitcher who could be erratic in the playoffs.

The Dodgers signed him to a multi‑year deal before the 2024 season, a contract that now totals $182 million through 2027. Brandon Gomes, the club’s General Manager, explained at the time: “Blake’s track record of striking out batters in clutch situations was the deciding factor in our acquisition strategy.”

Dodgers’ pitching strategy for 2025

Los Angeles entered the 2025 season with a clear problem: a rotation that could dominate the regular season but faltered when the stakes rose. Pitching coach Mark Prior noted, “We needed someone who could handle the pressure of Game 1 in October and set the tone.” The front office answered that call by giving Snell the green light to tweak his approach, focusing on command and limiting walks—which had haunted him in prior postseasons (four games with at least four walks each).

Snell’s 2025 regular‑season numbers proved the gamble paid off: 210.1 innings, 1.15 WHIP, and a league‑best 2.98 ERA among starters with at least 150 innings. The Dodgers’ analytics team crunched the data and concluded that his strikeout‑to‑walk ratio improved from 2.9 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025, a statistically significant jump that could translate into postseason success.

Game 1 spotlight: Snell vs. the Blue Jays

The stage is set for Oct. 27 at Dodger Stadium. Snell will open the series against the Blue Jays’ ace, who posted a 13‑8 record with a 3.12 ERA. Snell’s World Series résumé includes three starts, a 2.85 ERA, and 25 strikeouts over 22.1 innings—solid, but not yet dominant.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media on Sept. 29: “Blake has shown remarkable growth in handling high‑pressure situations. His willingness to refine his approach specifically for October baseball has been impressive.” Snell echoed that sentiment, telling reporters, “That’s why I came here.”

Financially, the decision makes sense. Snell’s agent Casey Close negotiated bonuses of $2.5 million for a World Series win and $1.2 million for a World Series MVP. The incentives align perfectly with the Dodgers’ ambition to capture their eighth championship.

Reactions from players, fans, and experts

Blue Jays shortstop Juan Soto (not a primary entity, so not marked) said, “Snell’s a tough guy. If he’s on his A‑game, we’ll have to be patient and wait for his mistakes.” Meanwhile, Dodgers’ veteran shortstop Corey Seager shared optimism: “We’ve trusted Blake all season. If he can give us a quality start in Game 1, the series swings our way.”

Baseball analytics firm Baseball‑Genius released a report on Oct. 2 projecting Snell’s win probability at 61 % for a strong Game 1 outing, compared with a league average of 49 % for starting pitchers in the World Series. The report highlighted his improved spin rate (2,750 rpm vs. 2,600 rpm three seasons ago) and a lower first‑pitch walk rate (2.8%).

What the stakes mean for both clubs

For the Dodgers, the financial commitment underscores a broader trend: teams are willing to shell out big money for proven postseason talent. If Snell delivers, it could set a precedent for future contracts that include performance‑linked bonuses tailored to the playoffs.

For Toronto, the Blue Jays entered the series with a 98‑64 record, the best in the American League. Their path to the title hinges on offensive firepower (they averaged 5.2 runs per game in the ALCS) and a bullpen that has posted a combined 2.87 ERA. Snell’s presence adds a new variable: a left‑handed power arm that can neutralize their heavy hitters early, potentially forcing them into a longer game where the Blue Jays’ bullpen might be taxed.

• Snell’s 2025 regular‑season line: 15‑7, 2.98 ERA, 243 K, 1.15 WHIP.
• World Series start: Game 1, Oct. 27, 5:08 PM PT at Dodger Stadium.
• Contract value through 2027: $182 million, with $47 million guaranteed for 2025.
• Performance bonuses: $2.5 million for a World Series win, $1.2 million for MVP.
• Blue Jays regular‑season record: 98‑64, AL champions.

Looking ahead

If Snell can keep his walks under control and fire his fastball (averaging 94 mph) with late‑season sharpness, the Dodgers could finally break through the “postseason curse” that has haunted them since 2020. Even if the first game goes the other way, Los Angeles still has a deep rotation—including Walker Buehler and Gerrit Cole—to lean on for Games 2 and 3. The series is still wide open, but the declaration of Snell as the postseason ace has already shifted the narrative.