Blake Snell's shocking new look and the multi-million dollar mission to save the Dodgers

Winning a World Series should have been one of the defining moments of Blake Snell's career. Instead, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher entered this postseason still bothered by how he performed during last year's championship run.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner struggled in both of his starts against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series, leaving him dissatisfied despite eventually celebrating a championship.

Twelve months later, Snell faces another defining opportunity when he takes the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday.

Los Angeles trails 2-0, leaving the veteran left-hander responsible for giving the Dodgers a chance to revive their pursuit of a third consecutive championship.

Snell opens up about criticism and injury frustrations

Snell believes his reputation has suffered because injuries have repeatedly prevented him from demonstrating his ability across an entire season.

"It's not like I'm just having surgery because I want to have surgery," Snell told The California Post. "I want to pitch. I want to win Cy Youngs."

Shoulder problems restricted him to approximately 10 starts in 2025, while surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow interrupted his 2026 campaign.

The disruptions have left Snell frustrated by suggestions that he lacks commitment, particularly given the preparation he believes goes unnoticed.

"I just wish people would watch me pitch and then understand the work that I put into being a good pitcher, great pitcher, is a lot more than they've ever experienced or give me credit for," he said.

The left-hander also revealed that his ambitions extend beyond winning another championship, with a place in baseball's Hall of Fame remaining a long-term objective.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts backs Snell

Despite those ambitions, Snell's immediate concern is rediscovering his command after a difficult outing against the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series.

The veteran lasted just 3⅔ innings and issued five walks, although he limited Atlanta to one run during the performance.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains confident that Snell can respond when Los Angeles returns home for the next stage of the series.

"I know Blake has a bad taste in his mouth from that last outing against the Braves. So you're going to see a locked-in, focused Snell," Roberts said.

Milwaukee will counter with Robert Gasser, while the Dodgers have scheduled Tyler Glasnow to start Game 4.

Snell determined to prove he belongs among the greats

Snell has spoken openly about wanting to pitch until age 45, although he recognizes that remaining healthy must become his priority.

"The last two years, I've gotten 10 starts a year. That's not Hall of Fame in my mind," he acknowledged.

He also rejected the perception that he spends his offseason avoiding baseball, explaining that much of his time is devoted to training and coaching young players.

"My offseason," Snell said, "is baseball the whole time."

Ultimately, the veteran believes his postseason performances will carry greater significance than the frustrations that preceded them.

"It's always how you finish," he explained.

With Los Angeles facing the possibility of falling three games behind Milwaukee, Snell now has the opportunity to deliver the kind of performance he believes should define his legacy.