Blake Treinen Re-signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers
In a move that solidifies their bullpen depth, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an agreement with veteran pitcher Blake Treinen. The two-year contract, valued at $22 million, will keep the seasoned right-hander in Dodger blue, as announced on a Tuesday.
A Veteran Presence
Treinen, poised to enter his 36-year-old season, continues to be a critical asset for the Dodgers. Known for his strong arm and high-pressure performances, Treinen’s re-signing reflects the team’s ongoing trust in his abilities. Over the past five years, he has been a fixture in their bullpen, contributing both experience and results.
His performance remains impressive. During the 2024 MLB season, Treinen posted a remarkable 1.93 ERA over 46⅔ innings, striking out 56 batters and issuing only 11 unintentional walks. Such statistics underscore his continued effectiveness, even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
Injury Comeback
The re-signing comes as Treinen recovers from setbacks that sidelined him for much of the 2022-23 seasons. Complications arose from shoulder surgery, and he also endured fractured ribs and a bruised lung following a mishap during spring training. Treinen’s return to form is not only a testament to his resilience but also an indication of his potential to make significant contributions to the team in the coming years.
A Proven Track Record
Treinen's history in Major League Baseball extends beyond his tenure with the Dodgers. Notably, while with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, he notched 38 saves, earning a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting—a reflection of his dominance as a closer at the time. Serving as a bridge and potential closer in Los Angeles, his experience and command on the mound continue to be vital for the Dodgers’ strategic flexibility.
His consistent success is further highlighted by an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves over 549⅔ innings in his career. Treinen's peripherals speak volumes of his contributions not just in high-stakes situations but also in maintaining stability within the bullpen.
Expectations and Potential
Despite concerns about aging pitchers maintaining peak performance levels, Treinen seems to defy those narratives. As a veteran, the speculation ahead of the season was that it was reasonable to question whether he could maintain his 2021 form, when he boasted a 1.99 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.40. Yet, Treinen's achievements in 2024 have quelled many of these concerns, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable fixture in the Dodgers' rotation.
Ranked as the No. 22 available free agent prior to re-signing, Treinen's return to the Dodgers was less about market scarcity and more about strategic fit. His decision to stay in Los Angeles reflects mutual ambitions for success as both player and club aim to extend their winning ways in upcoming seasons.
As the Dodgers prepare for another competitive season, having Blake Treinen back in the bullpen stands as a continued commitment to championship aspirations. While he may not dominate the headlines like some big-name free agents, his influence on the mound is undeniable, ensuring that both Treinen and the Dodgers remain formidable opponents for any team.