Blake Treinen Re-Signs with Dodgers: A Closer Look at the Deal and Player's Journey
In a move that further bolsters the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen, Blake Treinen has agreed to return to the team, securing a two-year contract worth $22 million. The announcement, made on a Tuesday, sets the stage for Treinen to continue his tenure with the Dodgers, where he has been a staple for the past five years.
Contract and Career Highlights
Treinen's new contract underscores his value as a seasoned reliever, ready to contribute significantly as he enters his 36-year-old season. Over the years, Treinen has amassed an impressive resume, including a remarkable 2018 season with the Oakland Athletics, where he recorded 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting.
His time with the Dodgers has further solidified his reputation, with consistency and excellence being the hallmarks of his performance. Notably, during the 2024 MLB season, Treinen posted a stellar 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, showcasing his ability to maintain a high level of play despite the inevitable challenges that come with a lengthy baseball career. Moreover, his 56 strikeouts against just 11 unintentional walks during the same season highlight his exceptional control and effectiveness on the mound.
Overcoming Challenges
While Treinen's trajectory has been marked by success, it's also been tested by adversity. In 2021, he demonstrated his tenacity, recording a 1.99 ERA and an impressive 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, the following years posed unforeseen hurdles. Treinen underwent shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 seasons, a significant setback for any player, let alone a pitcher whose arm is pivotal to performance on the field.
Additionally, a spring training mishap resulted in fractured ribs and a bruised lung, further compounding his challenges. Through these trials, Treinen has shown remarkable resilience, a trait that undoubtedly played a role in the Dodgers' decision to secure his services once more.
Future Prospects
As Treinen prepares for the upcoming seasons with the Dodgers, expectations are naturally tempered with realism. As one analysis noted, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Yet, given his track record and ability to bounce back from injuries, there remains a sense of optimism about what he could achieve.
Ranking as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason, Treinen's signing signals both a commitment from the Dodgers to reinforce their bullpen and a belief in Treinen's ability to continue delivering at a high level. With an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, Treinen's experience and skill are expected to play a crucial role in the Dodgers' quest for success.
In a sport where consistency is as revered as talent, Treinen's journey underscores the importance of persistence and resilience. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career with the Dodgers, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hopeful that perhaps his best is yet to come.