Los Angeles Dodgers keep ninth inning backup plan

By retaining Blake Treinen with a two year contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers have kept their backup plan for the ninth inning in place.

The Los Angeles Dodgers do not have many holes. This makes sense as the team is fresh off of a championship run and has the largest payroll in the majors. However, they still needed to focus on the bugaboo of virtually every team – finding depth in the bullpen.

The Dodgers did that on Tuesday by bringing back one of their own. Blake Treinen was retained on a two year, $17.5 million contract, with an $8 million team option for 2023.

After flaming out as the A’s closer in 2019, Treinen had a solid bounceback campaign last year. He posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.208 WHiP over his 25.2 innings, striking out 22 batters while issuing eight walks. It was a solid return to form after his command had completely deserted him the previous year.

This signing also has ramifications throughout the Dodgers’ bullpen. Kenley Jansen has been an excellent closer throughout much of his career, but has not been the same dominant force of late. There had been rumblings over the past two seasons that the Dodgers should look for another option for the ninth inning.

By retaining Treinen, the Dodgers have that possibility covered. While he has not been the same sort of presence in the ninth that Jansen has been, the former A’s closer did rack up 67 saves during his time in Oakland. He was also an All Star in his one full season as a closer, showing that he can handle the pressure that comes with closing out a game.

Keeping Treinen does not mean that a change is imminent. Jansen is the Dodgers’ closer and still has plenty of leeway. However, this protects Los Angeles in case of any struggles or injury, as it may be much more difficult to find a replacement at the trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have their insurance plan for the ninth inning. Blake Treinen is locked in for at least two more years.