In a significant off-season move, the Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed Blake Treinen, ensuring the seasoned reliever will continue to bolster their bullpen. The two-year contract, valued at $22 million, reaffirms Treinen's vital role within the Dodgers’ roster. The official announcement, made on a recent Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the team as they strategize for the upcoming seasons.
A Second Chance at Glory
Entering what is expected to be his 36-year-old season, Treinen brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Dodgers. Despite the recent challenges he faced, including shoulder surgery that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2022-23 seasons, Treinen's resilience and performance have remained unwavering. During the 2024 MLB season, Treinen delivered an impressive 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, a testament to his enduring prowess on the mound. Furthermore, he struck out 56 batters while allowing only 11 unintentional walks, statistics illustrating his sharp control and commanding presence as a crucial reliever.
Overcoming Obstacles
Treinen's journey with the Dodgers has been nothing short of eventful. Having suffered fractured ribs and a bruised lung from a spring training mishap, his path has been fraught with adversity. Yet each setback has shaped him into a more formidable athlete. “Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021,” some analysts suggested. However, Treinen has repeatedly defied expectations, continuing to perform at an elite level, notably posting a 1.99 ERA in 2021 with a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Treinen's past with the Oakland Athletics, where he recorded 38 saves in 2018 and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting, further underscores his pedigree as a top-tier reliever. This achievement has cemented Treinen’s reputation, making his transition to the Dodgers in 2018 a seamless continuation of his successful career in Major League Baseball.
A Valued Asset
Since joining the Dodgers, Treinen has become an integral part of the team, spending five years in Los Angeles and showcasing a stable ERA+ of 149 along with 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings. His track record not only highlights his abilities but also reaffirms his standing as a strategic asset on the field. Earlier this offseason, Treinen was ranked as the No. 22 available free agent, underscoring his ongoing value within the league.
The decision to re-sign Treinen is not just a nod to his past achievements but also an investment in the stability and depth of the team’s bullpen. With this deal, the Dodgers aim to capitalize on Treinen's veteran acumen and calibrated pitch execution to anchor their quest for future successes.
The Dodgers' commitment to Treinen, despite the hurdles he has faced, is a testament to their belief in his ability to deliver under pressure and lead a pitching staff aiming for championship contention. As Treinen continues his journey with the Dodgers, both the player and the team remain focused on pursuing excellence, overcoming adversities, and harnessing their collective potential in the seasons ahead.
