Blake Treinen Re-signs with Los Angeles Dodgers for Two-Year Stint
In a move that solidifies their bullpen depth, the Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed the re-signing of veteran relief pitcher Blake Treinen on a two-year, $22 million contract. The announcement, made on a Tuesday, marks another chapter in what has been an eventful stint with the Dodgers for Treinen, who is heading into his 36-year-old season.
The decision to retain Treinen, whose tenure with the Dodgers spans five successful years, underscores the team's faith in his ability to return to peak form. Known for his lethal pitching arsenal, Treinen demonstrated his reliability during the 2024 MLB season with a commendable 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings. His command was evident as he managed to strike out 56 batters against just 11 unintentional walks, a testament to his precision and effectiveness on the mound.
This chapter with the Dodgers is far from the first time Treinen has left a lasting impression in Major League Baseball. Back in 2018, while playing with the Oakland Athletics, Treinen achieved the remarkable feat of recording 38 saves. That exceptional season saw him earn a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting, elevating his status as one of the league’s top relievers at the time.
Throughout his career, Treinen has amassed an impressive resume, boasting an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings. However, his journey has not been without obstacles. Treinen faced significant setbacks due to injuries, including shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the majority of the 2022-23 seasons. Additionally, a spring training mishap resulted in fractured ribs and a bruised lung, testing his resolve and physical endurance.
There is an element of anticipation surrounding Treinen's performance in the upcoming seasons. As was thoughtfully analyzed, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Nevertheless, the Dodgers clearly see potential for Treinen to defy expectations and continue contributing at a high level, as evidenced by his previous seasons including a stellar 2021 campaign where he posted a 1.99 ERA coupled with a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Marked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier this offseason, Treinen's market value reflected a demand for seasoned relievers capable of elevating a bullpen. For the Dodgers, securing his services can potentially translate into much-needed stability and leadership among their pitching ranks as they aim for another formidable run in the postseason.
As both a veteran leader and a proven performer, Treinen's return to the Dodgers is poised to be a significant asset in their strategic plans. While the question lingers on whether he can reclaim his previous peak form, history has shown Treinen's ability to overcome challenges and deliver when it matters most.
The upcoming MLB seasons promise to be forgettable for neither Treinen nor the Dodgers, whose bet on Treinen’s resilience and skill could very well pay substantial dividends.