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Dodgers: MLB Insider Sees Blake Treinen Returning to LA

In 2020, the Dodgers finally got it right. I’m not only referencing the World Series win (reminder: the Dodgers won the World Series!!), but the club finally got it right in player additions. The big move, obviously, is Mookie Betts. But an arguably equally important player was reliever Blake Treinen.

Now Treinen is a free agent. However, he’s already being linked back to LA by long time MLB insider Tom Verducci.



I think Blake Treinen [returns]. Remember, he was non-tendered by Oakland after last season and he became a lights out, go-to guy. You saw Dave Roberts plug him into games as early as the fourth or fifth inning. He could close games. He gives them so much protection, swing and miss stuff, and ground balls. Treinen really was a great find for them and I think he really found a home in LA. I don’t think you’re looking at a long-term deal, but I think he’s a real key to that bullpen.

After years of signing reclamation projects for the bullpen, Andrew Friedman found the missing piece last offseason in signing Treinen to a one-year deal. The veteran right-hander was a workhorse for the Dodgers in the postseason. While his ERA didn’t end up exactly sitting pretty (4.76), he was unscored upon in 8 of 11 playoff appearances in 2020.

With Kenley Jansen’s continued inconsistencies, and Pedro Baez also a free agent and likely on his way out of LA, a return engagement with Treinen might be the best course of action. Moreover, if you ask the reliever, he’s all for it.

I would always welcome coming back to LA I think that’s a phenomenal organization. Obviously winning with them and being a part of that clubhouse with those guys it’s pretty cool to see the talent and just getting to know the guys a little bit and winning in a year like this is even better. So, yeah, I’m open to that for sure.

Andrew Friedman’s top priority is likely re-signing Justin Turner to a deal, but Treinen shouldn’t be that far behind on the offseason to-do list for the Dodgers.

NEXT: Treinen Blasts MLB, Media For Handling of Justin Turner Situation

Clint Pasillas

Clint Pasillas has been writing, blogging, and podcasting about the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. Under Clint's leadership as the Lead Editor, Dodgers Nation has grown into one of the most read baseball sites in the world with millions of unique visitors per month. Find him online on Twitter/X or his YouTube channel!

5 Comments

  1. The two differences in the Championship Year were Mookie Betts and the Bullpen dispute Roberts sometimes mishandling it.
    Treinen & Graterol were difference makers. I would sign Treinen and use young arms like Gonzalez, White and Sborz to make up the roster. I would not sign Baez and DFA Alexander.

    1. Treinen must be re-signed. Graterol and Gonzalez also had excellent years!!!!!! Tmaxster, I would think twice about bringing back Baez, and, as you correctly state, Alexander. Our BP should be in great shape for next year. Go Blue!!!!

  2. Dodgers def need Turn to comeback at least for two more seasons. We also need Treinen and I would even throw in a true ace to round out the order. Kersh is still elite, but Price hasn’t pitched competitively for a minute, so I wouldn’t count on him to be up to the task, specially not in October. Buehler and Urias are money, May is our future ace and Gonsolin should be used as a starter during the reg season, but in long relief in October.

  3. I would not mind a move to covet Trevor Bauer. Non tendering Peterson, Wood and Kike could produce the $$ needed. Price is a big question mark-he wasn’t that good in Boston his last year, Kersh will be a year older and none of the starters can seem to go more than 5-6 innings. Kind of reminding one of Robin Roberts who if memory serves well had 42 complete games in one stretch of his career. Bauer has proven he can go a complete game which of course gives all the bullpen arms a guaranteed day of rest. The hoopla given to Rios, Beatty and Lux should prove to be adequate replacements for Peterson and Hernandez. Josh Gray and White should also fit into the pitching rotation soon

    1. Peterson, wood, and Kike are all free agents. I don’t think Bauer is worth the money to sign him. Turner back for 1 year and maybe an option in the second year. Also, resign Treinen and sign Corey Seager and Bellinger long term. Don’t block our star future pitchers(May, Urias, and Gray. Also, we have a very good 3b in minors that will be ready in late 2021 or 2022 Kody Hosey is ranked 10th best third baseman by MLB.

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