Blake Treinen Rejoins Dodgers in Two-Year Deal
Blake Treinen has committed his future to the Los Angeles Dodgers by signing a new two-year contract worth $22 million. The announcement, made on a Tuesday, reinforced the Dodgers' faith in the veteran reliever's capabilities, marking his continued association with the franchise for what will be his sixth and seventh seasons donning blue and white. As he enters his 36-year-old season, this deal not only provides a significant bolster to the Dodgers' bullpen but also cements Treinen's standing as a vital player in their pitching lineup.
Performance and Resilience
In the 2024 MLB season, Treinen's performance was nothing short of remarkable. He posted a sparkling 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, demonstrating his control and finesse with 56 strikeouts against only 11 unintentional walks. This performance highlights his recovery and return to form following a challenging period marred by injuries. Treinen had undergone shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 seasons, and he also battled a setback from fractured ribs and a bruised lung during a spring training mishap.
Consistency in Excellence
Treinen's tenure with the Dodgers has been marked by consistency and excellence. In 2021, he was particularly stellar, posting a 1.99 ERA and exhibiting a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Such attributes accentuate his dependable presence on the mound and his ability to deliver under pressure.
Throughout his MLB career, Treinen has established himself as a formidable relief pitcher, previously ranking as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason. With an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, Treinen's statistics unequivocally underline his value and the extent to which he enhances any bullpen.
Reflections on a Storied Career
Before his time with the Dodgers, Treinen left an indelible mark with the Oakland Athletics. His 2018 season remains particularly memorable as he recorded 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting. Such accolades capture the enduring brilliance of Treinen's career and his aptitude as a closer in high-stakes scenarios.
Looking Ahead
In light of the contract extension, Treinen's role with the Dodgers is expected to be pivotal, contributing to both the immediate success and the strategic long-term ambitions of the franchise. While "coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," his impressive 2024 performance has laid such doubts to rest.
With his experience, resilience, and skill, Blake Treinen continues to be a crucial asset to the Dodgers as they navigate the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his veteran presence influences the dynamics of one of the sport’s most storied franchises.