Blake Treinen Re-signs with the Dodgers: A Key Move for Los Angeles
In a significant move for the Los Angeles Dodgers, veteran pitcher Blake Treinen has re-signed with the team, solidifying his place in their bullpen for the next two years. The deal, valued at $22 million, was announced on a Tuesday, ensuring that the right-hander will continue to bring his experience and skill to the Dodgers’ bullpen as he enters his 36-year-old season.
Treinen's commitment to the Dodgers comes after a remarkable 2024 MLB season, during which he posted a 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings. Demonstrating precision and control, Treinen recorded 56 strikeouts against 11 unintentional walks. This consistent performance showed that he remains a dominant force on the mound, even after facing previous injuries.
Navigating Past Challenges
The path to his re-signing hasn’t been without obstacles. Treinen faced shoulder surgery that sidelined him for much of the 2022-23 seasons, followed by a turbulent spring training where he suffered fractured ribs and a bruised lung. Yet, his resilience has never been in question. Despite these setbacks, Treinen's ability to return to form has been impressive. His 1.99 ERA in 2021, alongside a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, exemplifies his capacity to bounce back and deliver when it matters most.
A Key Figure for the Dodgers
Treinen has been a staple for the Dodgers over the last five years, contributing significantly to their bullpen depth, which has been crucial for the team's recent success. His re-signing reaffirms the Dodgers' strategy of maintaining stability and reliability within their pitching rotation. Moreover, Treinen's career ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings underscore his value as an elite reliever in Major League Baseball.
Reflecting on his time before joining the Dodgers, Treinen had a standout year with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, where he recorded 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting. This experience provided him with the skills and confidence necessary to thrive on a major stage like Los Angeles.
Season Outlook
As Treinen gears up for the new season, there is anticipation around whether he can reproduce the stellar form he exhibited previously. "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," reads an analysis from earlier commentary. This skepticism appears to have been addressed, thanks to his rigorous approach and commitment to the sport.
Free Agency and Beyond
Treinen's re-signing comes at a crucial time, as he was ranked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason. Securing Treinen at this juncture highlights the Dodgers’ proactive approach to roster management, ensuring they capitalize on his talent before other teams could make a play for the seasoned reliever.
With Treinen now securely in their fold, the Dodgers can look forward to bolstering their bullpen with one of the most consistent and reliable arms in the league. The two-year commitment not only reinforces Treinen's place within the team's immediate plans but also provides a sense of continuity and strength that will be critical in their pursuit of championship success.
As Treinen prepares to step back onto the mound, both he and the Dodgers will aim to harness the momentum from his impressive 2024 season, with aspirations to add to their storied legacy in the seasons to come.