The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to build on their momentum after securing their eighth World Series title, re-signing high-leverage reliever Blake Treinen to a two-year, $22 million deal, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Treinen, who played a key role in the Dodgers’ championship run, led the pitching staff in strikeouts and re-established himself as one of the premier free-agent relievers after overcoming career-threatening shoulder issues. His resurgence has made him a valuable asset, drawing significant attention on the open market.

This marks Treinen’s fourth contract with the Dodgers and his third as a free agent. He originally joined Los Angeles on a one-year deal in 2020 after being non-tendered by the Oakland A’s. Following his strong performance that season, he secured a two-year, $17.5 million extension. Now, his latest deal solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ bullpen for the foreseeable future.

Blake Treinen’s resurgence for the Dodgers

In May 2022, while recovering from a prolonged shoulder injury that sidelined him for nearly two seasons, Blake Treinen signed an $8 million contract for the 2023 season, which included a conditional $1 million option for 2024.

Despite suffering a rib cage injury from a line drive during spring training, Treinen made a strong comeback in 2024, becoming one of the Dodgers’ most dependable relievers. Over 50 appearances, he posted an impressive 1.93 ERA and a 2.38 xERA, striking out 56 batters while issuing just 11 walks in 46⅔ innings.

Treinen’s postseason performance further solidified his value. Across nine appearances, he recorded a 2.19 ERA and led all Dodgers pitchers with 18 strikeouts in 12⅓ innings. His 1.57 average leverage index was the team’s highest, underscoring his pivotal role in high-pressure situations. He secured three saves and two wins in relief, demonstrating his ability to deliver in critical moments.

His durability and effectiveness in 2024 gave the Dodgers the confidence to invest in his future. Treinen’s pitch arsenal remains elite, blending strikeout power with the ability to generate weak contact. His postseason contributions included several extended outings, highlighted by a dominant 2⅓ scoreless innings with three strikeouts in Game 5 of the World Series, helping bridge the gap to the late innings.

Treinen’s resurgence and consistent postseason success reaffirm his status as a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ bullpen moving forward.

What’s next for Blake Treinen and the Dodgers?

Since joining the Dodgers in 2020, Blake Treinen has solidified his status as one of Major League Baseball’s elite relievers. Over this period, his 2.29 ERA ranks fourth among all relievers, while his 3.00 FIP places him 19th. Additionally, his 20.9 percent strikeout-minus-walk rate is 30th, showcasing his dominance on the mound.

Now 36 years old, Treinen holds an impressive career 2.78 ERA and 3.26 FIP across 549⅔ innings. He has amassed 560 strikeouts and 80 saves while playing for the Nationals, A’s, and Dodgers. As the Dodgers consider their bullpen strategy for the upcoming season, Treinen could continue in the closer role he held at the end of 2024 or be part of a bullpen-by-committee approach that has worked effectively for the team.

Treinen’s ability to adapt his pitching repertoire during the summer has been pivotal, signaling a promising trajectory for the latter stages of his career. Dodgers bullpen coach Josh Bard referred to Treinen as a “unicorn,” emphasizing the rarity of his consistent performance in a volatile role. Despite concerns about his health and age limiting his free-agent market value, Treinen’s reliability and effectiveness made him a priority for the Dodgers and a standout in MLB bullpens.

The Dodgers have agreed to a $17 million, one-year contract with Conforto and a $22 million, two-year deal with Treinen

The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their roster by agreeing to terms with outfielder Michael Conforto on a one-year, $17 million contract and right-handed reliever Blake Treinen on a two-year, $22 million deal, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The agreements, pending physicals, were initially reported by MLB.com for Conforto’s deal.

Michael Conforto

Conforto, who turns 32 on March 1, joins the Dodgers after a productive season with the San Francisco Giants, where he hit .237 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs in 2023. Previously an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2017, Conforto’s nine-year MLB career includes a .251 batting average, 167 home runs, and 520 RBIs.

The veteran outfielder signed with San Francisco on a two-year, $36 million deal but missed the 2022 season recovering from right shoulder surgery. With this signing, Conforto adds a veteran presence and power to the Dodgers’ lineup as they aim to strengthen their outfield depth.

Blake Treinen

Treinen, 36, returns to the Dodgers following a challenging 2023 season in which he was sidelined due to labrum and rotator cuff surgery in late 2022 and a bruised lung sustained during spring training. Treinen made his comeback in May 2024, delivering strong performances reminiscent of his dominant 2022 campaign. That year, Treinen posted a 1.93 ERA in 50 appearances, recording 56 strikeouts and 11 walks in 46⅔ innings, followed by a stellar postseason performance that helped the Dodgers win the World Series.

Treinen’s resilience and elite ability out of the bullpen have earned him another opportunity in Los Angeles. The new contract reflects the Dodgers’ confidence in his continued role as a key component of their pitching staff.