Blake Treinen Re-signs with Dodgers: A Strategic Move for the Veteran Reliever
In an exciting development for Los Angeles Dodgers fans, standout reliever Blake Treinen has signed a new contract with the team. The agreement, announced on a Tuesday, will see Treinen donning the Dodgers' blue for another two years at the sum of $22 million. This re-signing underscores the Dodgers' commitment to maintaining a robust bullpen as they gear up for the upcoming seasons.
Treinen's Journey with the Dodgers
Blake Treinen, now entering his 36-year-old season, has been a stalwart for the Dodgers since he joined the team five years ago. His impact on the field has been nothing short of crucial, and his performance during the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season certainly reflects this. In 2024, Treinen boasted an impressive 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings pitched. Notably, he struck out 56 batters while issuing only 11 walks, showing remarkable control and effectiveness.
Comeback Story
This contract extension follows Treinen's significant journey back from shoulder surgery, which had kept him on the sidelines for most of the 2022-23 seasons. Despite these setbacks and the challenges posed by fractured ribs and a bruised lung during a spring training accident, Treinen has demonstrated resilience and an unwavering commitment to his team and the sport.
Reflecting on his past achievements, Treinen’s 38 saves during the 2018 season with the Oakland Athletics still stand as a testament to his abilities. That year, his performance even earned him a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award balloting. Despite some career fluctuations, his overall track record, including an ERA+ of 149 and a total of 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, consolidates his reputation as a highly reliable reliever.
Consistency and Value
Treinen's consistency is further exemplified by his 2021 figures, where he posted a 1.99 ERA, coupled with a stellar 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Such statistics are indicative of his ongoing value to any bullpen, and the Dodgers are clearly eager to retain such talent on their roster. This re-signing also places him as the 22nd-ranked available free agent earlier in the offseason, highlighting his perceived value by both industry insiders and analysts.
Expert Analysis
There have been discussions among analysts regarding Treinen’s potential performance in the future. As one analysis notes, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Such apprehensions are natural, given the challenges posed by his surgeries and injuries. However, his ability to bounce back strongly indicates that he might just prove these doubts unfounded.
A Critical Component of the Dodgers' Strategy
By securing Treinen’s services once more, the Dodgers reaffirm their strategy of anchoring their bullpen with proven, experienced talent. The two-year, $22 million deal is a clear investment in a pitcher who—injuries notwithstanding—has repeatedly proven his capacity to perform at high levels.
This deal not only offers stability for Treinen but also provides a sense of assurance to Dodgers fans and management that the bullpen remains in capable hands. As the Dodgers continue their quest for further championships, reinforcing their lineup with seasoned players like Treinen will be key to their sustained success in the tightly contested MLB.
Looking ahead, Dodger supporters will undoubtedly be eager to see how Treinen contributes to the team’s fortunes. Given his past performances and recent bounce-back ability, the coming seasons promise exciting prospects for both Treinen and the Dodgers.