Dodgers: The Wrinkle in Blake Treinen’s New Contract and the Rival That Pursued Him
The Dodgers got their bullpen in order this week by resigning Blake Treinen to a 2-year deal. That signing should “probably” be the last big piece we see added to the relief team, but you never know with Andrew Friedman.
In regards to Treinen, the contract isn’t nearly as straight forward as it seems. The Dodgers built in plenty of levels to it in order to protect Treinen as well as the organization. Let’s dive into the details of that contract and what it means moving forward.
The deal with Treinen comes out to $17.5 million for the 2 years. But it does come with the stipulation that over one-third of the contract is guaranteed and cannot be affected by a shortened season or work stoppage due to labor disputes. The Dodgers did that by baking in a $4 million signing bonus that is not tied to his salary.
Related: Dodgers Still in on Brad Hand After Signing Treinen
The Dodgers also built in a $1.5 million buyout should they not pick up his option for the third year in 2023. Treinen will receive that money for that year even if a new collective-bargaining agreement is not reached and the work stopped wipes out the 2022 season. The third-year option would have to be picked up at a value of $8 million.
The Dodgers Rival That Wanted Him
As expected, the Dodgers weren’t the only team that was after Blake Treinen this offseason. But the best part of Los Angeles signing Blake is that the other team after him was the Houston Astros. They are also interested in signing Liam Hendriks and were ideally hoping to sign both to bolster a very weak bullpen in Houston. That would’ve been great for one of LA’s rivals, but they still have a shot at Hendriks for the moment.
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https://theathletic.com/2305117/2021/01/05/dodgers-blake-treinen-resign/
https://theathletic.com/2305777/2021/01/06/rosenthal-francisco-lindor-yu-darvish-blake-snell/
Why should Treinen be the “last piece?” He wasn’t the 9th inning guy in 2020, so are you assuming he will be in 2021? Jantzen isn’t that guy anymore. And if Graterol was going to be that guy wouldn’t he have already been anoited that guy? Closer by committee is an option. But none of the current people on the roster appear to be set up to be the person who gets the last couple of outs. That still needs to be addressed.
Your absolutely right. The Dodgers bullpen is not complete unless we want to play Russian Roulette every time the ninth inning comes around. We need a shut down closer. Jansen can’t do it anymore. We should try to trade him to get some value before his contract expires this year. Treinen is capable, but better suited to the set up role. Graterol is still developing. He could be the guy by the end of the year, but he’s still developing. The rest of Friedman’s bullpen acquisitions are walking wounded. Most are a year away, if ever. Some might step up this year, but not into the closer role.
I agree, Jansen isn’t that guy anymore keep trying to sign the closed and trade or purchase a BIG right handed BAT!