Blake Snell: a summary of his latest season and performance
Blake Snell, the left-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres, delivered a standout performance during the 2023 MLB season, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier arms. Over 32 starts, Snell posted a 14-9 record with a 2.25 ERA, the lowest among qualified pitchers in the National League. His 234 strikeouts ranked third in the NL, and he held opponents to a .181 batting average, the best in MLB. Snell’s dominance was particularly evident in the second half of the season, where he recorded a 1.36 ERA after the All-Star break, fueling the Padres’ push for a playoff berth. His performance earned him his second Cy Young Award, making him the seventh pitcher in MLB history to win the honor in both leagues.
Snell’s success was built on his ability to mix pitches effectively, relying heavily on his elite fastball-curveball combination. His 31.5% strikeout rate ranked second in the NL, and he led the league with a 1.19 WHIP. Despite occasional control issues, evidenced by his 99 walks (the highest in MLB), Snell’s ability to strand runners proved pivotal. His 86.7% left-on-base percentage ranked among the league’s best. Snell’s contributions were critical for the Padres, who finished 82-80 and narrowly missed the postseason. His consistency and late-season surge solidified his reputation as a top-tier pitcher heading into free agency.
Key Insights on Blake Snell’s 2023 Season
- What were Blake Snell’s key statistics in 2023? Snell finished with a 2.25 ERA, 234 strikeouts, and a .181 opponent batting average, leading the NL in ERA and earning his second Cy Young Award.
- How did Snell perform in the second half of the season? He recorded a 1.36 ERA after the All-Star break, the lowest in MLB during that span, and struck out 137 batters in 92.2 innings.
- What impact did Snell have on the Padres’ playoff chances? Despite Snell’s dominance, the Padres finished 82-80 and missed the postseason, though his late-season performance kept them in contention.
