Los Angeles Dodgers: Blake Treinen claims he won’t recruit Liam Hendriks
According to sources, Blake Treinen won’t attempt to actively recruit free-agent Liam Hendriks to join him in Los Angeles.
It must be pretty fun to root for the Los Angeles Dodgers, right? On the heels of a 2020 World Series title, the Dodgers made a number of offseason moves to boost their bullpen. Keep in mind, this is for a team that does not possess any obvious holes.
The latest move came on Tuesday when Los Angeles agreed to re-sign Blake Treinen at two years and $17.5 million. Now, all of the attention turns to the premier closer in baseball, Liam Hendriks.
Luckily for the rest of baseball, Treinen said he will not actively recruit his former Oakland Athletics teammate.
Although they played together in Oakland, Blake Treinen says he's not trying to recruit Liam Hendriks to the Dodgers
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) January 6, 2021
He says that's up to the Dodgers if they want to bring him in
To be clear, this does not confirm the Dodgers are out of the running to sign Hendriks, who hit free agency this offseason.
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Hendriks and Treinen spent three seasons together in Oakland from 2017-2019. Interestingly enough, Hendriks ended up succeeding Treinen as the ninth-inning man in 2019. This was part of Hendriks’ recent two-year run as the best relief pitcher in baseball. On top of his combined 1.79 ERA, Hendriks recorded 161 strikeouts and 24 walks in just over 110 IP during this stretch.
Hendriks hit unrestricted free agency this offseason and it’s unlikely the Athletics will be able to afford his hefty price tag. One team that can afford contracts? The Dodgers.
Los Angeles has been quite successful in adding to its bullpen depth, trading for veteran Corey Knebel while also retaining contracts with Joe Kelly and current closer Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers already appear as favorites to repeat and signing Hendriks would only make this more of a sure bet.
There is some speculation surrounding Treinen and Hendriks’ personal relationship. After all, Hendriks took over for Treinen during his last year in Oakland.
In 2018, Treinen owned the closer role for the Athletics. He earned an All-Star Game appearance, notching 38 saves with a 0.78 ERA. The 32-year-old completely lost his control the following season as his WHIP soared to 1.619 thanks to 37 walks in 58.2 innings.
Treinen enjoyed a bounceback season last year in Los Angeles, after agreeing to a one-year discount contract. He recorded a 3.86 ERA in 25.2 innings, adding one save.
Next. Nunez ready to compete for a role. dark
Ultimately, Treinen is a valuable and secure late-inning option for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He may never fully return to his 2018 form, but securing bullpen depth always helps a team’s chances. While he may not actively recruit his former teammate, there’s no chance he’ll have the sway to prevent Los Angeles from going after Hendriks.