Part 2/8:
Joining the Dodgers not only places Snell in a competitive environment but also marks his arrival at a financial milestone where his average annual value (AAV) is now the second highest for any pitching-only contract of five years or more, only trailing Jacob deGrom. This reflects a strong market for pitchers, which is a positive indicator for others in similar positions, especially as Snell signed well before the usual off-season schedule—112 days earlier than last year.