Two weeks ago, the Dodgers resigned right-handed reliever Blake Treinen on a two-year, $22 million contract.
Treinen has won two World Series with the Dodgers, despite missing the 2023 season with a shoulder injury.
Treinen elected free agency after five years in the Dodgers organization. But, he explained in an interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain why he wanted to return to Los Angeles.
“Some of my most fond memories have been as a Dodger, and it’s an honor to put on the white and blue,” Treinen said to McKain on Dodgers Dougout Live. “Going into the off season, my number one goal is to try to find a way to come back.”
Although Treinen was eager to stay with the Dodgers, he was open to exploring options with other teams. The All-Star pitcher was unsure if he still held an important role in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
“You have to try to explore your options. You don’t know if you fit in the plans moving forward,” Treinen said. “If certain players present an opportunity they feel are better to move on, then that’s what they want to do. And for me, it was just trying to figure out, where I fit with the Dodgers, and if it was a good fit to come back, not so much as a financial thing.”
Ultimately, Treinen landed a contract with the Dodgers, where he will likely finish his career. In the interview with McKain, Treinen expressed his desire to retire as a Dodger.
Blake Treinen says his goal is to retire with the Dodgers, via an interview with @DMAC_LA
“If I didn’t want to finish as a Dodger, I probably wouldn’t have signed here this year.”https://t.co/RsoLTj2BSb
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 20, 2024
“When you win a World Series with a team and you’ve had the success that you’ve had, and the care towards my health that they’ve presented, and even like the personal touch towards my family and putting our needs as in the front as possible,” Treinen said. “It’d be hard not to come back to a place like this.”
Treinen will return as one of the Dodgers’ best relievers, logging an ERA below 2.00 for the last three seasons.
