In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves throughout the baseball world, Los Angeles Dodgers’ star closer Blake Treinen, who was set to earn a staggering $20.4 million next season, has betrayed the team that gave him the spotlight, choosing instead to sign with their fierce rivals, the New York Yankees. This unexpected turn of events has left fans and analysts alike reeling, questioning Treinen’s loyalty and the Dodgers’ future bullpen strategy.
Treinen’s departure marks the end of a tumultuous but promising tenure with the Dodgers. After being acquired from the Oakland Athletics prior to the 2021 season, Treinen quickly became one of the most dependable arms in Los Angeles’ bullpen. His devastating sinker, combined with his high-velocity fastball and wipeout slider, made him a force to be reckoned with in crucial moments. In his first two seasons with the Dodgers, Treinen posted a combined 2.24 ERA, cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant closers in the game.
Despite struggling with injuries in 2023, Treinen managed to pitch in 30 games, and his overall numbers still demonstrated his elite potential when healthy. This year, however, has been marked by speculation about his future. Rumors began circulating earlier this month about a potential departure, but few expected Treinen to leave for the Yankees, a move that many are now calling a betrayal of both the team and the city of Los Angeles.
The news of his decision broke on the evening of November 23, just days after the free agent market officially opened. According to sources close to the situation, Treinen reached an agreement with the Yankees on a two-year deal, believed to be worth approximately $36 million, which would include a player option for the second year. This contract eclipses his current $20.4 million salary with the Dodgers, but the deal comes with its own set of risks.
The Yankees have been actively seeking to bolster their bullpen in an attempt to return to postseason contention. With longtime closer Aroldis Chapman now a free agent, the team is looking for a reliable late-inning presence to help close out games. Treinen’s track record of success and his ability to handle high-pressure situations made him the perfect candidate to fill this role. However, the decision to sign with New York, a team that has long been a rival of the Dodgers, was both surprising and controversial.
“It’s a business, but this still feels like a betrayal,” said one longtime Dodgers fan, who attended nearly every home game this season. “We embraced him. We supported him through his injuries. Now, he goes to the Yankees? The same team we battled in the World Series not too long ago? It stings.”
Treinen’s departure also leaves a significant void in the Dodgers’ bullpen, which has already undergone some changes during the offseason. While the team has some depth in their relief corps, losing a pitcher of Treinen’s caliber raises questions about their ability to match up against elite teams like the Yankees, the Atlanta Braves, and the San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers, who have consistently been one of the most successful teams of the past decade, now find themselves in an uncomfortable position. Their pitching staff, while still formidable, has experienced some turnover, and Treinen’s exit means that manager Dave Roberts will have to reevaluate his late-inning strategy heading into 2024. For a team that prides itself on a deep and reliable bullpen, the loss of a closer with Treinen’s pedigree is nothing short of significant.
In an official statement, Treinen expressed gratitude for his time in Los Angeles but made it clear that his decision to join the Yankees was motivated by a desire to embrace new challenges and opportunities. “I will always be grateful for the support I received from Dodgers fans and the organization. My time in Los Angeles was unforgettable, but after much thought and reflection, I believe the opportunity with the Yankees is the right next step in my career,” Treinen said.
While some fans may never forgive him for joining the Yankees, others are focused on the business side of the game. The Dodgers, ever the powerhouse, will no doubt look for ways to quickly reload their bullpen. The team has the resources and track record of turning over top-tier pitchers, and many believe they will soon make a move to acquire another proven closer.
As for Treinen, he now faces the daunting task of silencing critics who believe his loyalty to the Dodgers was fleeting. His new home in the Bronx will undoubtedly bring added pressure, but with his talent and track record, Treinen could prove to be the missing piece the Yankees need to make a deeper postseason run in 2024. In the meantime, his exit from LA leaves behind a complex legacy—one that will be remembered for both his incredible on-field performance and the bitterness surrounding his departure.
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