Blake Treinen Rejoins Dodgers in a $22 Million Deal
In a significant move for the Los Angeles Dodgers, veteran pitcher Blake Treinen has re-signed with the team, agreeing to a two-year contract valued at $22 million. This announcement came on a Tuesday, adding another chapter to Treinen's storied career with the team he has called home for five years.
A Career Defined by Skill and Resilience
Treinen, who is entering his 36-year-old season, has established himself as a formidable presence on the mound. Known for his impressive skill set, he showcased his elite abilities during the 2024 MLB season with a stellar 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings. This dominant performance was complemented by 56 strikeouts against just 11 unintentional walks, underscoring his precision and power in his return to top form.
Despite his recent challenges, including shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 seasons, Treinen has remained a resilient figure in Major League Baseball. The procedure was necessary following a spring training mishap that left him with fractured ribs and a bruised lung, injuries that could have derailed the average player's career. Yet, Treinen’s comeback last season served as a testament to his dedication and resilience.
Building on Past Success
Treinen's time with the Dodgers has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. In 2021, he impressed with a 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, hinting at his potential to impact the game significantly. Furthermore, his career achievements before joining the Dodgers cannot be overlooked. During the 2018 season, Treinen was a standout performer with the Oakland Athletics, recording 38 saves and finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting, an accolade that highlights his capabilities at the highest level.
Reflecting on his career, Treinen boasts an ERA+ of 149 with 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, impressive statistics that reinforce his reputation as a reliable closer and essential bullpen figure.
A Strategic Move for the Dodgers
The decision to bring Treinen back into the fold aligns with the Dodgers' strategic moves in the offseason. Ranked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier, Treinen’s re-signing underscores the team's commitment to fortify its bullpen with experienced and reliable talent. His presence is expected to add depth and stability to the Dodgers’ pitching roster, blending experienced skill with the energy of younger players.
Expectations and the Road Ahead
While the 2021 season set high expectations for Treinen, reflected in sentiments such as, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," his recent performances have proven otherwise. Despite this tempered anticipation, his ability to return to form following significant setbacks speaks volumes of his determination and skill.
The Dodgers, with Blane Treinen back in their ranks, look poised to continue their quest for another championship, with their eyes set on leveraging Treinen’s prowess from the bullpen. Treinen's journey with the Dodgers represents not only a personal return to dominance but also a valuable reinforcement to the Dodgers' championship aspirations.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the re-signing of Treinen promises to be a strategic advantage, potentially tipping scales in crucial matchups. His saga stands as a narrative of perseverance within the high-pressure environment of Major League Baseball, inspiring a new generation of pitchers aspiring to leave their mark in the sport.