The Los Angeles Dodgers have fortified their bullpen by re-signing veteran right-hander Blake Treinen to a two-year contract worth $22 million. The announcement came on a Tuesday, marking a significant commitment to a pitcher who has been synonymous with reliability and resilience, despite facing considerable challenges in recent seasons.
Treinen, who is set to enter his 36-year-old season, has proved to be a pivotal force in the Dodgers' bullpen. Over the course of 2024, he demonstrated incredible fortitude and skill, posting a commendable 1.93 ERA across 46 ⅔ innings. His performance was bolstered by 56 strikeouts against 11 unintentional walks, underscoring his capability to maintain precision and control on the mound.
This recent contract extension comes as Treinen approaches his fifth year with the Dodgers, a team with which he has crafted a significant portion of his major league career. His tenure in Los Angeles followed a notable period with the Oakland Athletics, where he achieved 38 saves in 2018, a feat that earned him a notable sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young award voting. This accolade acknowledged his dynamic abilities and consistent performance, marking him amongst the league’s elite pitchers during that season.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Treinen’s journey hasn’t been devoid of setbacks. A shoulder surgery sidelined him for much of the 2022-23 seasons, highlighting the arduous physical toll that an elite pitching career can exact. Moreover, he endured fractured ribs and a bruised lung in an unfortunate mishap during spring training, testing his resilience and determination.
Despite these physical challenges, Treinen’s return to form has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, prior to his injuries, Treinen delivered a stellar performance with a 1.99 ERA and a remarkable 3.40 strikeout-to-walk ratio, reinforcing his reputation as a consummate professional adept at overcoming adversity.
Looking Forward
The decision to invest in Treinen signals the Dodgers' confidence in his ability to continue delivering results akin to those of past seasons. "Coming into the year, it was reasonable to think that Treinen wouldn't be as effective this season as he was in 2021," noted one analyst, reflecting on the uncertainties facing Treinen after his injury-laden seasons. Despite this skepticism, Treinen's performance in 2024 has effectively assuaged such doubts, illustrating his adaptability and steadfastness.
With an ERA+ of 149 and 80 saves amassed over 549 ⅔ innings pitched, Treinen remains a potent asset in the Dodgers' bullpen. The extension secures a seasoned pitcher who brings not just skill and experience, but a proven record of bouncing back stronger after adversity.
Ranked as the No. 22 available free agent earlier in the offseason, Treinen's recent contract ensures that he will continue to lend his veteran presence and gritty determination to the Dodgers' pursuit of dominance in the upcoming seasons. As the team looks ahead, Treinen's off-season training and preparation will undoubtedly be crucial components in the bullpen's strategy and success, bolstering the Dodgers' quest for another championship run.