Blake Treinen Re-Signs with Dodgers in Multi-Year Deal
In a significant move for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Blake Treinen has committed to the club for another two seasons. The veteran reliever, who is entering his 36-year-old season, has secured a two-year contract valued at $22 million, a deal announced on a recent Tuesday. This marks an intriguing phase as Treinen aims to reinforce a formidable Dodgers bullpen.
A Veteran Presence with a Proven Track Record
Treinen's tenure with the Dodgers has spanned five years, during which he has evolved into a crucial component of their relief setup. Known for his dominant pitching, Treinen boasts an impressive ERA+ of 149 over 549 ⅔ innings, punctuated by 80 saves. His past achievements highlight his value, notably his performance in 2018 with the Oakland Athletics, where he recorded an unprecedented 38 saves. That year, Treinen’s exploits earned him sixth place in the American League Cy Young balloting, underscoring his status among MLB's elite relievers.
Comeback from Injuries
Treinen’s career, however, hasn’t been without challenges. His recent seasons were marred by significant injuries, including shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the majority of the 2022-23 period. Additionally, a spring training mishap led to fractured ribs and a bruised lung, testing his resilience and commitment to return to the mound. These setbacks did not deter the Dodgers from maintaining faith in his ability, clearly reflected in their decision to re-sign him.
Impressive 2024 Performance Solidifying His Return
The 2024 season saw a remarkable resurgence for Treinen, as he pitched with a 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, achieving 56 strikeouts against only 11 unintentional walks. This performance signaled to both the Dodgers and the wider baseball community that Treinen remains a formidable force in the bullpen. His trajectory suggests that, despite previous assumptions, Treinen has arguably surpassed expectations. As one analysis noted, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Clearly, Treinen has risen to this challenge.
Looking Forward
The Dodgers' decision to solidify Treinen’s role for the next two years is a testament to their strategic focus on experience and reliability in high-pressure situations. His ability to excel under duress adds substantial depth to the Dodgers' pitching lineup, a factor that could prove pivotal in their pursuit of postseason success. As a pitcher renowned for his ability to deliver in clutch moments, Treinen's signing is a strategic reinforcement that has been eagerly welcomed by fans and analysts alike.
Revisiting his 2021 season further supports this faith, where he posted a 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, performances that solidified his reputation as a reliable arm in any bullpen across the league. Despite his recent trials, Treinen has remained one of the top free agent options, ranking as the No. 22 available player earlier this offseason.
The Impact on the Dodgers
Treinen’s recommitment to the Dodgers adds a layer of stability and experience to a team that consistently strives for greatness. His presence in the bullpen not only provides the Dodgers with an experienced closer but also a mentor for younger pitchers emerging in the league. As Treinen continues his career with the Dodgers, fans and team officials alike await to see how his veteran acumen and strategic pitching will contribute to the team's ongoing legacy.
Through resilience and unwavering professionalism, Blake Treinen continues to enhance his storied career, with the upcoming seasons promising further chapters of excellence. The Dodgers and Treinen now focus on translating this promise into performance as they gear up for the challenges of the new MLB season.