Manager Dave Roberts' Los Angeles Dodgers were unceremoniously swept out of the 2026 MLB Playoffs in four games at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers which raised questions about Shohei Ohtani's status as a pitcher going forward. The shocking loss put a spotlight on the team's future including a possible Skubal re-signing this winter, an outcome Game 3 starter Blake Snell is hoping for in Los Angeles.

Snell sent an unmistakable message to Skubal after the Game 4's final and decisive loss according to beat writer Jack Harris.

“The goal is to win a World Series and we weren't able to do that…So now that it's over, don't leave,” Snell said.

Skubal pitched two playoff games for the Dodgers this season, recording one quality start, a 1-1 record and a 2.45 earned-run average. He went 11 innings, struck out 14 batters and walked four, showing the dynamite stuff that has made him one of MLB's best pitchers with the Dodgers and his previous team, the Detroit Tigers. Snell, meanwhile, ranked near the bottom of the list among all postseason pitchers with a 4.66 ERA in two starts. He went 9.2 innings and struck out 14, joining Skubal as one of the second season's most explosive power pitchers.

Article Continues Below

Snell's message comes at a time when the baseball world is still in shock following the back-to-back champs' quick exit. ESPN writer Buster Olney called it an a**-kicking while the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated and moved on to the World Series.

The Dodgers still have new levels to reach with Skubal and Snell potentially in the rotation again in 2027, and Roberts knows it. Skubal has a tough decision to make this offseason, and a chance to return to what could be baseball's best team again in the coming years.