History of Blake Snell in Timeline
Blake Snell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres.
1988: World Series Controversy
In the 2019 World Series, Blake Snell pitched effectively but was controversially pulled from Game 6, which the Dodgers won, leading to criticism of the decision. This was the Dodgers' first World Series win since 1988.
December 4, 1992: Blake Snell's Birth
Blake Ashton Snell was born on December 4, 1992.
2004: Consecutive Pitcher of the Month Awards
Blake Snell, in 2018, became the youngest pitcher to win the American League Pitcher of the Month award in consecutive months since Johan Santana in 2004.
2011: Professional Debut
After being drafted in 2011, Blake Snell began his professional baseball career with the Gulf Coast Rays.
2011: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays
In 2011, Blake Snell was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the MLB draft.
2012: Rays Franchise Record
Blake Snell became the first Rays pitcher since David Price in 2012 to achieve 20 victories in a single season, setting a new franchise record by reaching 21 wins.
2012: Princeton Rays
Blake Snell played for the Princeton Rays in 2012.
2012: American League Cy Young Award
On November 14, Snell received the American League Cy Young Award, becoming the second Rays pitcher to win the award after Price in 2012.
2013: Bowling Green Hot Rods
Blake Snell played for the Bowling Green Hot Rods in 2013.
2014: First No-Hitter
In 2014, Blake Snell pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter, the first in Stone Crabs history, while playing for the Bowling Green Hot Rods and Charlotte Stone Crabs. He was also recognized as the Rays Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
2015: Promotions and Strong Performance
Blake Snell started 2015 with the Stone Crabs and earned promotions to the Montgomery Biscuits and Durham Bulls, achieving an impressive 1.41 ERA across the three teams.
April 23, 2016: Major League Debut
Blake Snell made his Major League debut on April 23, 2016, at Yankee Stadium, striking out the side in the second inning despite initial jitters.
2016: MLB Debut
Blake Snell made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016.
2016: Durham Bulls and Major League Promotion
Snell began the 2016 season with the Durham Bulls before being promoted to the major leagues for his debut.
2017: Early Struggles and Demoted to Durham
Snell experienced difficulties early in the 2017 season and was briefly demoted to Durham, but showed improvement upon his return.
2018: Cy Young Award and All-Star Selection
In 2018, Blake Snell achieved significant milestones, winning the Cy Young Award in the American League, being selected as an All-Star, and leading the league in wins and earned run average (ERA).
2018: Record-Tying Performance
In 2018, Snell tied an AL record by striking out the first seven batters in a game against the Seattle Mariners. This marked a significant personal milestone as it was his first career start at Safeco Field in front of many friends and family.
March 21, 2019: Five-Year Contract Extension
On March 21, 2019, Blake Snell signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the Rays, the largest deal for a pitcher before reaching salary arbitration.
December 29, 2020: Trade to the San Diego Padres
On December 29, 2020, Blake Snell was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Diego Padres in exchange for prospects Luis Patiño, Blake Hunt, and Cole Wilcox, along with catcher Francisco Mejía.
2021: Trade to the San Diego Padres
Blake Snell was traded to the San Diego Padres before the 2021 season.
2021: Season with the San Diego Padres
During the 2021 season, Blake Snell experienced some regression, finishing with a 7-6 record and a 4.20 ERA over 27 starts for the San Diego Padres. He initially struggled to go deep into games and missed a few starts due to food poisoning but finished the year strong with a 1.83 ERA in his last eight starts. However, he ended the season on the Injured List due to left adductor tightness.
2021: Sale of St. Petersburg Home
In 2021, Blake Snell sold his home in St. Petersburg, Florida, for $1.4 million.
2022: Season Start Delayed by Adductor Tightness
In 2022, Blake Snell's preparations for the season were hindered by the MLB lockout, and he experienced further delays due to recurring adductor tightness. He was placed on the IL and eventually returned to the starting rotation on May 18th.
2023: Second Cy Young Award and Free Agency
Blake Snell had a standout year in 2023, leading the MLB with a 2.25 ERA and a 5.8 H/9, earning him his second Cy Young Award. He also led the league in walks with 99. After the season, Snell declined a $20.25 million qualifying offer from the Padres and entered free agency.
2023: Second Cy Young Award
Blake Snell won his second Cy Young Award in 2023.
2023: Contract End
Blake Snell's five-year contract with the Rays was set to end after the 2023 season.
March 19, 2024: Signing with the San Francisco Giants
On March 19, 2024, Blake Snell signed a two-year, $62 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, marking a new chapter in his career.
April 8, 2024: Debut with the Giants
Blake Snell made his debut for the San Francisco Giants on April 8, 2024, against the Washington Nationals. He allowed three earned runs in three innings, resulting in a loss for the game.