Treinen Returns to Dodgers with Two-Year Deal
In a significant move this offseason, Blake Treinen has solidified his place with the Los Angeles Dodgers by signing a new two-year, $22 million contract. The announcement was made on a Tuesday, offering the Dodgers bullpen both assurance and versatility for the coming seasons.
For Treinen, this contract marks the continuation of a five-year tenure with the Dodgers, a period during which he has emerged as a crucial component of their pitching staff. As he gears up for his 36-year-old season, Treinen's experience and consistency are set to bolster the team’s aspirations in the increasingly competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. The Dodgers' decision reflects their confidence in Treinen's ability to return to form following past injuries.
A Look Back at Treinen’s Journey
Treinen's journey in Major League Baseball has been marked by both exceptional performances and challenging setbacks. He made a notable impact in 2018 with the Oakland Athletics, recording 38 saves and finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting. His accolades from that season underscored his potential as one of the premier relief pitchers in the game.
While his 2021 season with the Dodgers was marked by a 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, it was not long before adversity struck. Treinen underwent shoulder surgery that sidelined him for much of the 2022-2023 seasons, an unfortunate turn compounded by incidents such as fractured ribs and a bruised lung following a spring training mishap. Despite these setbacks, Treinen has demonstrated resilience in his recovery and performance on the field.
A Strong 2024 Season
Treinen's performance in the 2024 MLB season offers a powerful reminder of his capabilities. Over 46⅔ innings, he achieved a 1.93 ERA with 56 strikeouts against just 11 unintentional walks. This performance underlined his value as a pitcher capable of altering the dynamics of a game and solidifying a bullpen in critical moments.
In assessing his trajectory, analysts have noted that "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Yet, Treinen defied expectations, reinforcing his status as a dependable veteran who can deliver in high-pressure scenarios.
Looking Forward with the Dodgers
As Treinen dons the Dodgers jersey for another two seasons, he adds considerable depth and stability to an already formidable Dodgers bullpen. Ranked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason, his decision to stay speaks to a mutually beneficial relationship with the Dodgers organization.
With an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549⅔ innings in his career, Treinen continues to be a pitcher whose presence extends beyond just his statistics. His rich history with the Dodgers and the wisdom gained from years of top-level competition position him as both a mentor to younger pitchers and a stalwart in challenging innings.
The next chapter for Treinen and the Dodgers is one brimming with possibilities. As he prepares to embark on yet another season in Dodger blue, fans and players alike will be watching closely, hopeful that his experience, skill, and dedication will play a pivotal role in their collective pursuit of championship glory.