Blake Treinen's Return to the Los Angeles Dodgers: A Strategic Move
Blake Treinen's Return to the Los Angeles Dodgers: A Strategic Move
The Los Angeles Dodgers have solidified their bullpen by re-signing veteran reliever Blake Treinen for a two-year contract valued at $22 million. Announced on a Tuesday, this decision highlights the Dodgers' strategic aim to fortify their pitching staff with experience and proven talent. Treinen, known for his dominant presence on the mound, is entering what will be his 36-year-old season, and the hope is he will continue his impressive form of prior years.
A Career of Highs and Challenges
Blake Treinen's journey in Major League Baseball has been marked by significant achievements and battles with adversity. Notably, in 2018, while with the Oakland Athletics, he captured attention by recording an impressive 38 saves, finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young voting. His performance that year was a testament to his ability to dominate hitters consistently.
However, the path hasn’t been entirely smooth for Treinen. He endured shoulder surgery, sidelining him for the majority of the 2022-23 seasons. The experienced reliever also faced unexpected hurdles, including fractured ribs and a bruised lung sustained during a spring training mishap. Despite these setbacks, Treinen has shown resilience and determination to return to top form.
Consistent Performance with the Dodgers
During his tenure with the Dodgers, which has spanned five successful years, Treinen has demonstrated he can be an integral part of a contending team’s bullpen. In the 2024 MLB season, he posted a stellar 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, underscoring his effective command and ability to limit opponents. Treinen impressively struck out 56 batters while allowing just 11 unintentional walks during the same period, showcasing a balance of power and precision.
His performance in 2021 also stood out, where he recorded a 1.99 ERA and achieved a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a testament to his consistency and skill in high-pressure situations. Across his career, Treinen has accrued an ERA+ of 149 and secured 80 saves over 549 ⅔ innings pitched, figures that place him among the more reliable relievers available.
The Strategic Re-signing
The decision to bring Treinen back into the fold reflects both trust in his abilities and the need for experienced talent in a bullpen that aims to be among the best. As one anonymous analyst pointed out earlier, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Yet, his performance in 2024 proved otherwise, reinforcing the notion that Treinen’s late-career renaissance was no fluke.
Ranked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier this offseason, Treinen’s market value was well recognized, making his re-signing a significant offseason move for the Dodgers. For a team consistently vying for top honors, securing such a caliber of reliever could prove pivotal as the season progresses.
Looking Forward
Treinen's storied career and resilience provide the Dodgers with not only a formidable presence on the mound but also a veteran leader capable of impacting the locker room. As he prepares to contribute further to the Dodgers’ pursuits, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see how Treinen continues to defy age and expectation, much like he has throughout his dynamic career.
His signing sends a clear message: the Dodgers are pulling no punches as they seek to reinforce their standing among MLB's elite. With Treinen's track record and determination, the team’s bullpen looks poised to be a key strength in the months ahead.
