Blake Treinen Returns to the Dodgers with a New Two-Year Deal
Blake Treinen Returns to the Dodgers with a New Two-Year Deal
In a move that’s creating ripples across the Major League Baseball landscape, Blake Treinen has secured his future with the Los Angeles Dodgers by signing a hefty two-year contract valued at $22 million. Announced Tuesday, this signing underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to solidifying their bullpen with seasoned talent.
As Treinen gears up for his 36th year, he remains an asset the Dodgers are eager to retain. Despite battling through injuries, including a significant shoulder surgery that benched him for much of the 2022-23 seasons, Treinen's resilience and competitive track record have earned him this extension. It is a decisive move by the Dodgers, underscoring their belief in his ability to overcome previous setbacks and contribute significantly in future seasons.
A Dominant Force on the Mound
Treinen’s record speaks for itself. During the 2024 MLB season, he posted an impressive 1.93 ERA over 46⅔ innings. His performance included 56 strikeouts coupled with only 11 unintentional walks, highlighting his ability to dominate on the mound and his value as a steadfast reliever. Expectations may have slightly dipped considering his previous injuries, with some suggesting that he "wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Yet, his stats in 2024 defy those expectations, showcasing a pitcher who remains a significant threat to opposing batters.
Before his time with the Dodgers, Treinen’s prowess was notably demonstrated during his stint with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, when he totaled an impressive 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young race. This accomplishment is a testament to his unmatched capabilities and highlights a career that is consistently defined by excellence.
Contributions to a Stellar Dodgers Tenure
Since joining the Dodgers five years ago, Treinen's contributions have been instrumental. Even with a history marked by an unexpected spring training mishap resulting in fractured ribs and a bruised lung, he has consistently bounced back, often exceeding the high expectations set upon him. His tenure in Los Angeles has been distinguished, punctuated by standout performances like his 2021 season where he posted a 1.99 ERA and maintained a stellar 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Treinen's career stats further reinforce his reliability on the mound. With an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves over 549⅔ innings, he figures prominently among the league’s elite relievers. Earlier in the offseason, Treinen was ranked as the No. 22 available free agent, a testament to his coveted abilities and the high regard he commands across the league.
Looking Forward
Treinen’s return to the Dodgers offers the team a formidable piece in their overall strategy to reclaim dominance in the seasons ahead. With a healthy season in sight and a track record that promises more success, both Treinen and the Dodgers are poised for exciting prospects with this renewed collaboration. While the pressures of past injuries linger, his exceptional performance in the recent season serves as reassurance of both his resilience and enduring skill.
As Blake Treinen embarks on this new chapter with the Dodgers, the baseball world will be watching. Will he reach the zenith of his previous pitches? Can he help propel the Dodgers to new heights? Only time will tell, but his proven talent and grit suggest that the best may be yet to come for both Treinen and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
