Blake Treinen Re-Signs with Dodgers on a Two-Year Deal
Blake Treinen Re-Signs with Dodgers on a Two-Year Deal
Blake Treinen, a formidable force on the mound, has committed his immediate future to the Los Angeles Dodgers, re-signing with the team on a two-year contract worth $22 million. The announcement, made on a Tuesday, confirms that Treinen will be bringing his remarkable pitching talents back to the City of Angels for at least two more seasons.
The decision to secure Treinen comes on the heels of a standout performance during the 2024 MLB season, where the right-hander demonstrated his prowess by posting a striking 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings. Known for his ability to dominate batsmen, Treinen recorded an impressive 56 strikeouts while allowing only 11 unintentional walks, underscoring his value to the Dodgers' bullpen.
A Proven Track Record
Treinen's affiliation with the Dodgers dates back five years, during which he has been instrumental in fortifying their pitching lineup. However, his reputation was first solidified with the Oakland Athletics, where in 2018, he notched 38 saves, one of the best records in the league, which earned him a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting. This stellar season was marked by his ability to stay cool under pressure, consistently delivering in clutch situations.
Injuries have occasionally marred Treinen's career. Most notably, a shoulder surgery kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the 2022-23 seasons. Furthermore, a spring training mishap resulted in fractured ribs and a bruised lung. Despite these setbacks, Treinen has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back to reassert his dominance on the mound.
Performance Under Scrutiny
As analysts scrutinize Treinen's return, there are mixed expectations regarding his performance. Reflecting on a previous assessment, 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." Nonetheless, Treinen defied expectations, posting a remarkable ERA and solidifying his standing as one of the most effective relievers in the league.
Treinen's previous season, 2021, was also a testament to his skills, where he posted a 1.99 ERA and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.40. His consistency and control have made him a vital asset to any bullpen, offering the Dodgers versatility coupled with reliability.
Free Agency Standing
The Dodgers were keen to secure Treinen's services amidst interest from other teams, given his standing as the No. 22 available free agent earlier this offseason. Such a ranking highlights the respect and demand for Treinen's services around the league, considering his ability to step into high-pressure roles and deliver.
Throughout his career, Treinen has accumulated an ERA+ of 149 and recorded 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings, statistics that speak volumes of his caliber and tenacity. These numbers are not just representative of longevity but also of exceptional quality and consistency at the highest level of professional baseball.
Treinen, entering what will be his 36-year-old season, brings with him a wealth of experience and tactical acumen, qualities the Dodgers will undoubtedly leverage as they aim to build on their recent performances and push further in the postseason.
As Treinen settles into his continued role with the Dodgers, fans and analysts alike will be watching keenly, eager to see if he can maintain his top form and contribute to another triumphant season for the storied franchise.
