Treinen Re-Signs with Dodgers Amidst Promising Outlook
In a move that underscores the Los Angeles Dodgers' commitment to maintaining a strong bullpen, Blake Treinen has re-signed with the team on a two-year contract worth $22 million. Announced on a Tuesday, this development confirms that Treinen will continue to be an integral part of the Dodgers’ pitching lineup as he enters his 36-year-old season.
Treinen's return to the Dodgers is a significant boost for the team, given his impressive performance during the 2024 MLB season. Despite concerns about his effectiveness compared to his 2021 form, when he posted a stellar 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Treinen demonstrated that age is just a number. This past season, he managed a remarkable 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings while recording 56 strikeouts against just 11 unintentional walks. It's clear Treinen remains a formidable force on the mound.
Historical Performance and Challenges
Treinen's journey with the Dodgers, which began five years ago, has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. Most notably, during his tenure with the Oakland Athletics in 2018, he recorded an impressive 38 saves and secured a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting. His performance that year highlighted his capabilities as one of the premier closers in the league.
However, Treinen has not been without his battles. He underwent shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 seasons, a period marred by injuries including fractured ribs and a bruised lung from a spring training mishap. These setbacks, though significant, did not deter him from returning to form and contributing effectively to the Dodgers' bullpen.
Looking at the Numbers
Over the course of his career, Treinen has maintained high standards, boasting an ERA+ of 149 alongside 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings. His ranking as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason reflects his valued status in the league.
Reflecting on his journey so far, it was noted that, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." While some might have interpreted this as a sign of potential decline, Treinen instead chose to defy expectations, delivering consistency and skill on the field.
A Strategic Move for the Dodgers
For the Dodgers, retaining Treinen's talent reinforces the team's pitching depth as they aim to navigate the challenges of upcoming seasons. The decision to extend Treinen's contract indicates the organization's confidence in his ability to continue delivering high-impact performances, especially as they seek to remain competitive in a daunting National League landscape.
The re-signing also serves as a reminder of Treinen’s resilience—a player who has managed to overcome significant injuries while continuing to be a potent presence on the mound. His combination of experience and recent performance bodes well for the Dodgers as they look to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent.
As Treinen prepares for what could perhaps be a defining chapter of his career, the Dodgers and their fans will be watching closely, hopeful that he will continue to deliver the type of performances that have made him a staple in both Los Angeles and the league as a whole. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Treinen’s presence on the roster solidifies a key component of the Dodgers' strategy, aimed at maintaining their standing as one of MLB’s elite teams.