For Blake Snell, the buildup to Game 1 of the World Series isn’t about revenge, redemption, or reflection. It’s about appreciation.

As the Dodgers’ left-hander prepares to take the mound for his first World Series start in Los Angeles blue, Snell sounded both composed and reflective during his media session on Thursday. From discussing his evolution as a pitcher to acknowledging the magnitude of this moment, Snell made one thing clear: he’s ready to embrace it all.

“This is probably the biggest start of my career,” Snell said. “I have a chance to win a World Series — the ultimate team goal. In the moment, it’s the most important start of my career.”

Snell, who previously started in the 2020 World Series with Tampa Bay, has traveled a long road since that infamous night when he was pulled from a dominant Game 6 performance against the Dodgers. That moment, often replayed and debated, is no longer a shadow over him.

“I don’t really think about it at all anymore,” Snell admitted. “For about a week afterward, I was thinking about what could’ve been different. But I realized if I had done more early in my career to gain trust, it could’ve been a different outcome. I learned from it. It made me a better pitcher because I understand the game more than just myself — how all the pieces work.”

Now, those lessons come full circle as Snell dons the same uniform he once opposed. When asked about joining the lineage of Dodgers greats to start Game 1 of a World Series, Snell’s response was equal parts humbled and determined.

“Wearing the Dodger uniform is special,” he said. “To be on that list is cool, but you want to have an impact on that list — that’s more important.”

That impact will be tested immediately against a surging Toronto lineup led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer — hitters Snell called “veterans who know what they’re looking for.” Without giving away too much, he acknowledged the challenge: “They’ve got a lot of confidence right now. They’re doing a good job feeding off each other. I’m excited for the challenge.”

The 32-year-old lefty spoke at length about how much he’s changed since 2020, both as a player and a person.

“I’ve matured. I’ve grown up,” Snell reflected. “I was kind of a kid back in 2020. I’ve got a family now, a wife — a lot’s changed. I just view the game differently. It’s more personal than ever because I know I only have so much time left. I’m more appreciative of the moments and what they mean for my career.”

That appreciation also extends to learning from the best. Snell has taken advantage of his time in Los Angeles by leaning on veteran ace Clayton Kershaw for insight.

“It’s just conversations,” Snell said. “I’ll ask him why he does certain things, what he thinks makes him great. You take what you can and apply it to your own game. The best thing about Kersh is how competitive he is — he can have nothing and still dominate because of it.”

As for what he’s learned in this postseason run — his first with the Dodgers — Snell said each start brings growth. “You just learn,” he said. “You go through the game, dissect what you like, what you don’t like, and try to understand what the hitter’s trying to do. That’s the most important thing to pitching.”

Whether it’s his growth in approach, his refined preparation, or his renewed mindset, Blake Snell enters Game 1 of the World Series not haunted by the past but propelled by it.

“I can’t wait,” Snell said with a smile. “It’s going to be great energy, great baseball — two really good teams. I’m just excited to be part of it.”