Treinen Returns to the Dodgers with a Two-Year Deal
Blake Treinen has inked a new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a deal that sees the reliable pitcher committing to his team for a reported $22 million. Announced this past Tuesday, the signing helps solidify the Dodgers' bullpen as the club looks to maintain its competitive edge in the coming Major League Baseball seasons.
Impressive Stats and Comeback
Treinen is heading into what will be his 36-year-old season, bringing with him a track record of impressive performances. During the 2024 MLB season, he demonstrated outstanding poise on the mound, posting a 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings. His command was as sharp as ever, as evidenced by his 56 strikeouts compared to just 11 unintentional walks. These numbers underscore Treinen’s ongoing value as a reliable bullpen contributor.
Despite a recent history of injuries, including shoulder surgery that kept him sidelined for much of the 2022-23 seasons, Treinen's skills and competitive spirit have not diminished. He also contended with fractured ribs and a bruised lung due to an unfortunate mishap during spring training. Yet, his return to form in the recent season hints at his enduring resilience and readiness to perform at a high level.
A Career of Highlights
Treinen's journey with the Dodgers has been marked by standout moments since his arrival five years ago. Before joining the Dodgers, he made significant waves with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, recording an impressive 38 saves—an achievement that earned him a commendable sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting.
His remarkable career includes an ERA+ of 149 and a record of 80 saves spread across 549 ⅔ innings pitched. Such statistics illustrate his longstanding reliability and skill as a closer and setup man, capable of shutting down opposing offenses with precision.
Looking Back and Ahead
In 2021, Treinen further solidified his reputation by posting a 1.99 ERA alongside a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, indicating his adeptness at controlling the game and managing tense situations. This performance came to serve as a precursor to his resurgence in 2024, highlighting his ability to overcome challenges and return to form.
Interestingly, Treinen’s journey has been punctuated by external commentary on his consistency and potential. As one analysis observed, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Yet, he has effectively disproved such speculation, coming back just as formidable.
Enduring Value
Ranked as the 22nd available free agent earlier in the offseason, Treinen's decision to re-sign with the Dodgers reassures the franchise of a veteran presence in their bullpen. His commitment not only maintains a familiar and effective dynamic in the team but also places him in a key role to mentor younger pitchers in the organization. The Dodgers and their fans will undoubtedly look forward to witnessing Treinen’s impact, both on and off the field, as the new MLB season approaches.
As Treinen continues to carve his path in the annals of baseball history, his latest contract with the Dodgers is a testament to his enduring value and the steadfast confidence the team places in his right arm. The Dodgers, with Treinen back in their ranks, are set to be formidable competitors in the seasons to come.