Blake Treinen Re-signs with the Dodgers: A Key Move for Los Angeles
Blake Treinen, a standout relief pitcher, has inked a new two-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, valued at $22 million. The announcement, made on a Tuesday, highlights the Dodgers’ commitment to strengthening their bullpen, particularly with Treinen entering his 36-year-old season. This contract underscores the team's confidence in Treinen's abilities despite the challenges he has faced in recent years.
Treinen's journey with the Dodgers spans five years, a period marked by impressive performances and unfortunate setbacks. In the 2024 MLB season, Treinen posted a formidable 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, demonstrating his capacity to perform at a high level when healthy. However, his contributions go beyond merely statistics.
The right-hander recorded 56 strikeouts against just 11 unintentional walks in 2024, testament to his precision and effectiveness on the mound. His career ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings reflect his consistency and reliability as a closer and setup man, establishing him as one of the more dependable arms in the league when he's at his best.
Despite the positive numbers, Treinen's path hasn't been without hurdles. Shoulder surgery largely sidelined him for the 2022-23 seasons. Additionally, a spring training mishap led to fractured ribs and a bruised lung, further testing his resilience and determination. Yet, Treinen's ability to bounce back and deliver top-tier performances has been remarkable.
Looking back at his earlier career, Treinen was a dominant force with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, securing 38 saves and finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting that year. These feats highlighted his power and skill, aspects that the Dodgers undoubtedly hope he will continue to bring to the mound. His 2021 season with Los Angeles was also notable, where he posted a 1.99 ERA combined with a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, illustrating his control and command as a critical component of the Dodgers' bullpen.
The free agent market recognized Treinen's value, placing him as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason. In an era where bullpen depth can be the difference in playoff aspirations, securing Treinen strengthens the Dodgers’ relief options, providing depth and experience.
An astute analysis of Treinen's potential for the upcoming seasons raises valid points. "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," noted a commentator, reflecting on the natural expectations as players age and recover from injuries. Nonetheless, Treinen has consistently proven to defy expectations, and both the Dodgers and their fanbase will be hoping for more of the same in the future.
With Treinen in the fold, the Dodgers have aimed to fortify their roster in a competitive National League landscape. His resilience and the capability to close out games under pressure make him an invaluable asset as the Dodgers eye another deep postseason run. His track record, combined with his recent form, suggests that Treinen will continue to be a pivotal figure in the Dodgers' bullpen strategy.
In sum, Blake Treinen’s re-signing not only serves as a testament to his enduring talent and competitive spirit but also reinforces the Dodgers’ strategy of blending experienced know-how with emerging talent in their pursuit of sustained success. As Treinen takes to the mound for another season, both his performance and his journey will be closely watched by an avid baseball audience eager to see what heights he, and the Dodgers, can reach together.