Blake Treinen has reaffirmed his commitment to the Los Angeles Dodgers by re-signing a lucrative two-year contract worth $22 million. This announcement, made on a Tuesday, secures his stay with the team he has been part of for the past five years. Entering what is set to be his 36-year-old season, Treinen's return is a testament to his resilience and value to the Dodgers.
A Proven Performer
Treinen's consistency on the mound has been evident throughout his career. In the 2024 MLB season, he delivered a stellar performance, maintaining a 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings. His ability to strike out batters while minimizing walks was on full display as he recorded 56 strikeouts against just 11 unintentional walks. This performance marks another successful chapter in his career, despite the challenges he faced over the past couple of years.
Treinen first caught national attention in 2018 during his stint with the Oakland Athletics. That year, he recorded 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's elite relievers.
Overcoming Setbacks
The path back to the Dodgers wasn’t easy for Treinen. He faced significant hurdles, including shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 seasons. Further complicating his comeback was an unfortunate spring training mishap where he suffered fractured ribs and a bruised lung.
Despite these challenges, Treinen has shown an extraordinary ability to bounce back. His performance in 2021, where he posted a 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, was a clear indicator of his resilience. "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," an analyst reflected, yet he proved the skeptics wrong by reaffirming his on-field prowess.
A Valuable Asset
Treinen's career statistics further illuminate his impact on the game. He boasts an impressive ERA+ of 149 and has notched 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings. These figures underscore his ability to close games and provide stability in the bullpen for his team.
His prowess on the mound and his valuable contributions to the team didn’t go unnoticed. Heading into the offseason, Treinen was ranked as the No. 22 available free agent, a testament to the high regard in which he is held within the baseball community.
Looking Ahead
As Treinen prepares for another season with the Dodgers, his journey is a narrative of determination and excellence. His capabilities will undoubtedly be pivotal as the Dodgers aim to maintain their competitive edge. Treinen's re-signing not only bolsters the Dodgers' bullpen but also reassures fans of his enduring dedication to the team.
With the contract now secured, all eyes will be on Treinen as he once again takes the mound, aiming to replicate the striking form that has become synonymous with his name. As the Dodgers look to navigate the upcoming season, Treinen's role as a veteran leader and a cornerstone of their pitching staff will be invaluable.
