Treinen Re-signs with Dodgers: A Veteran's Return to Dominance
Blake Treinen, the seasoned reliever, is set to continue his journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers, having re-signed to a two-year contract valued at $22 million. The announcement, which unfolded on a Tuesday, marks a significant commitment from the Dodgers as they bolster their bullpen with a familiar and skilled arm.
A Promising Comeback
Treinen's return to the Dodgers is noteworthy, particularly as he enters his 36-year-old season. Despite recent challenges, including shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the better part of the 2022-23 seasons, Treinen's resilience has been evident. His impressive performance during the 2024 MLB season further underscores his value. With a stellar 1.93 ERA over 46 ⅔ innings, Treinen demonstrated that age is just a number. He notched 56 strikeouts against a mere 11 unintentional walks, solidifying his reputation as a bullpen anchor.
The Dodgers have enjoyed Treinen’s contributions for five years, a period over which he's consistently proven his mettle. His ability to deliver under pressure was never more evident than in 2021, when he crafted a 1.99 ERA and maintained a 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These statistics emphasize his precision and potency on the mound.
A Look Back at a Stellar Career
Blake Treinen's career has been marked by significant achievements and challenges alike. His time with the Oakland Athletics in 2018 was a career-defining chapter. He recorded an astonishing 38 saves, earning him a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young balloting. Such accolades underscore the high-caliber performances he regularly delivers. Throughout his career, Treinen has also racked up an ERA+ of 149 over 549 ⅔ innings, along with 80 saves, reinforcing his role as a reliable closer.
Despite the highs, Treinen's journey has not been without its hurdles. Not only did he endure shoulder surgery, but he also faced a spring training mishap that left him with fractured ribs and a bruised lung – injuries that could have significantly derailed a lesser athlete’s career. Yet, Treinen’s return to form in 2024 indicates both his physical resilience and his mental tenacity.
Expectations Ahead
As Treinen gears up for the coming seasons with the Dodgers, the stakes are high. He has been ranked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason, a testament to his enduring appeal in the league. The analysis noted, "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021." However, defying expectations has been a hallmark of Treinen's impressive tenure in Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers, aware of both his strengths and struggles, seem confident that Treinen’s presence will fortify their roster. His history with the team and his ability to overcome adversity make this contract renewal a strategic move for the Dodgers, signaling their commitment to leverage Treinen's experience and skill widely in the years to come.
The journey ahead for Blake Treinen promises potentially more of the high-pressure moments he thrives in and an opportunity to further cement his legacy in the annals of Dodgers history. With renewed vigor, he looks to continue delivering the performances that have defined his career, aiming to bring glory to the Dodgers' ambitious pursuits in the seasons to come.