Blake Treinen Re-signs with Dodgers, Proving His Worth Again
This week, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced a significant move in their offseason strategy by re-signing reliever Blake Treinen to a two-year contract valued at $22 million. The decision, disclosed on a Tuesday, underscores the faith the organization has placed in Treinen as he enters what will be his 36-year-old season. This commitment also reflects his storied journey and performance within Major League Baseball (MLB) over the past few years.
The stakes are high for Treinen, who has been a strategic right-handed option for the Dodgers bullpen since he joined the team five years ago. Notably, Treinen's journey with the Dodgers has seen impressive highs, despite several unfortunate setbacks due to injuries. Having undergone shoulder surgery that benched him for most of the 2022-23 seasons, Treinen still managed to showcase his resilience and skill in the subsequent 2024 MLB season with a commendable 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings.
Such numbers are an embodiment of Treinen's capabilities, marked by the 56 strikeouts and only 11 unintentional walks he recorded in the 2024 season. This performance echoes his top form seen in years prior, reminding fans and critics alike of his potential to dominate, reminiscent of his standout 2018 season with the Oakland Athletics where he recorded 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting.
His consistent performance has earned him a notable ranking as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason, highlighting his valuable presence on the mound. Treinen's career stats, boasting an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, speak volumes about his enduring reliability and talent.
Reflecting on his history, it’s important to highlight Treinen's 2021 season, which saw him post a 1.99 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.40, proving that his effectiveness isn't merely a product of short-lived prowess but rather a testament to sustained excellence. There was a reasonable expectation at one point that Treinen, advancing in his career, would struggle to replicate such performances. "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," some analysts noted, emphasizing the uncertainty that often accompanies age and injury in professional sports.
The Dodgers, however, appear undeterred by past injuries, opting instead to move forward with a player who has demonstrated significant grit and comeback potential. Treinen's history with injuries like fractured ribs and a bruised lung from a spring training mishap could have been more than enough to sideline many, yet he continues to stand as a formidable figure in the bullpen.
For the Dodgers, committing two more years to Treinen is not only a nod to his past achievements but also an investment in his potential to continue to disrupt opposing lineups. As the veteran reliever preps for the next season, he carries with him the trust of a team that's willing to invest in his skillset despite the unpredictability that comes with seasoned athletes.
With Treinen back in the fold, the Dodgers are poised to reinforce their bullpen, aiming to leverage his expertise and continue their reputation as a formidable force in the MLB. While speculation often shadows on-field performance, both hope and history lean towards a promising return for Treinen as he takes the mound once more.
In the high-stakes world of professional baseball, where a player's past can heavily influence their future, Blake Treinen stands as a testament to the mantra that resilience, skill, and determination can chart a path back to success time and again.