Blake Treinen Re-signs with Dodgers: A Strategic Move for Both Player and Team
In a season marked by comebacks and strategic plays, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant move by re-signing their standout relief pitcher, Blake Treinen, to a two-year contract valued at $22 million. This decision, announced on a Tuesday, signals the Dodgers' continued faith in Treinen's ability to deliver key performances on the mound, despite past injuries.
A Veteran Presence
As Treinen enters his 36-year-old season, his presence in the bullpen provides the Dodgers with an experienced arm that has proven its worth over the years. Treinen has been a fixture with the Dodgers for five seasons, a tenure that underscores his resilience and capability. His career has seen him overcome challenges, including significant shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 seasons. This resilience is matched by his ability to bounce back effectively, as evidenced by his performance in the 2024 MLB season, where he posted an impressive 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings.
A Return to Form
Treinen's performance in 2024 was a testament to his skill, with 56 strikeouts against 11 unintentional walks, showcasing his ability to control the game from the mound. Despite concerns about his form, especially after a spring training incident where he suffered fractured ribs and a bruised lung, Treinen has shown that he can still perform at a high level. This is reminiscent of his 2018 season with the Oakland Athletics, where he recorded a remarkable 38 saves and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young balloting.
Memories of Past Glory
Looking back, Treinen's 2018 season remains a career highlight, with exceptional performances that cemented his reputation as one of the league's premier relievers. It's no surprise that he ranks as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason, a testament to his enduring appeal and value on the free-agent market.
Strategic Decision-Making
Considering the challenges he has faced, including injuries that could have derailed his career, the Dodgers' decision to bring Treinen back speaks volumes about their strategic planning. It also reflects confidence in his ability to return to, or even exceed, his previous form. As one analyst aptly noted, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." Yet, Treinen defied expectations with a record similar to his 2021 performance, which included a 1.99 ERA and a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Future Prospects
With an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves across 549 ⅔ innings in his career, Treinen’s statistics solidify his role as a key player for the Dodgers. As the team looks to the future, Treinen's experience and proven track record will likely continue to be a vital component of their pitching strategy. His story is one of perseverance, skill, and dedication—a narrative that fits well with the Dodgers' pursuit of excellence.
Ultimately, this re-signing is more than just a contractual agreement; it represents a mutual understanding of value, trust, and ambition between Treinen and the Dodgers. As the MLB season progresses, both the player and the team will look to this partnership to propel them to new heights, reminding fans and critics alike of why Treinen remains one of the game's esteemed relievers.