Blake Treinen Re-Signs with Dodgers on a Two-Year Deal
In a move that further solidifies their bullpen, the Los Angeles Dodgers have secured the services of veteran reliever Blake Treinen for two more years. The deal, valued at $22 million, was officially announced on a Tuesday, bringing much-needed stability to a pitching staff that Treinen has been a part of for five years. At 36, Treinen is the seasoned bullpen stalwart teams crave, known for his lethal combination of power pitching and consistency.
A Remarkable Stint with the Dodgers
Having joined the Dodgers in 2018, Treinen has etched his name as a reliable asset. His performances have been particularly commendable for a relief pitcher, often bridging crucial innings with his extraordinary ability to keep runners off base. His latest season, in 2024, features a standout 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, alongside 56 strikeouts against only 11 unintentional walks, exemplifying his ability to dominate games.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Treinen's journey in Major League Baseball began long before he suited up for the Dodgers. 2018 was a career-defining year when he recorded 38 saves with the Oakland Athletics, earning him a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting. Such accolades reflect the high impact Treinen has had throughout his career.
Yet, Treinen's journey has not been without its obstacles. The talented right-hander underwent shoulder surgery that left him sidelined for most of the 2022-23 seasons. Perhaps more concerning were the more recent health challenges, including a mishap during spring training that resulted in fractured ribs and a bruised lung. Despite these setbacks, Treinen remains undeterred and ready to contribute to the Dodgers' cause, an expectation underscored by his proven track record.
Consistency in an Unpredictable Game
Blake Treinen's resilience and determination have been key to his staying power in MLB. His 2021 season, marked by a 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, further cemented his reputation as a top-notch reliever. However, as one analyst pointed out, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn’t be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Despite this sentiment, Treinen has consistently defied expectations with consummate professionalism and skill.
Another highlight of his illustrious career is his ranking as the 22nd available free agent earlier this offseason. This recognition not only speaks volumes about his abilities but also about the interest he attracts from teams across the league looking to bolster their bullpen.
Looking Ahead with Treinen
Given his career ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, Treinen enters his returning spell with the Dodgers both as a seasoned veteran and a vital component of their championship aspirations. As Treinen steps into what will be his 36-year-old season, the Dodgers are banking on his experience and expertise to guide them through high-pressure situations. The pitching dynamics he introduces could very well be the linchpin sustaining their bullpen strategies.
The landscape of Major League Baseball is often tumultuous, where individual fortunes can see dramatic swings. However, for the Los Angeles Dodgers, re-signing Blake Treinen provides an invaluable degree of certainty, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a bullpen capable of dominating games throughout the long season ahead.