Blake Treinen – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Blake Treinen has built a reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable relief pitchers since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander recently locked in his future with the team, signing a two-year, $22 million contract that comes with a $5 million signing bonus. Treinen’s net worth sits around $38 million, which says plenty about his successful MLB career.

His journey with the Dodgers kicked off in December 2019, when he signed a one-year, $10 million deal after leaving the Oakland Athletics. Treinen wasted no time proving his value in Los Angeles and became a key part of their bullpen during the 2020 World Series championship run. That performance earned him a longer stay with the Dodgers, and he’s still out there showing off his elite pitching.

For 2025, Treinen will earn $8 million, with his salary bumping up to $11 million in 2026. His contract even includes a 1% charitable contribution, showing he’s thinking beyond just baseball. As the Dodgers chase more championships, Treinen’s powerful sinker and slider continue to be a huge asset in high-pressure spots.

Early Life and Background

Blake Treinen was born June 30, 1988, in Wichita, Kansas. His path to professional baseball started with humble beginnings and a lot of determination during his youth and college years.

Family and Upbringing

Blake M. Treinen grew up in a supportive family that helped him nurture his athletic side. Although he was born in Wichita, he spent most of his childhood in Osage City, Kansas, attending Osage City High School. His parents played a huge part in encouraging his love for baseball, often driving him to practices and games.

Unlike some MLB stars who dominate from the start, Treinen’s path wasn’t so obvious. He dealt with the usual small-town challenges but used those experiences to build resilience—a trait that’s served him well.

His childhood nickname, “Train,” stuck with him into the pros—a nod to his powerful pitching style that’s become his trademark in the majors.

Amateur Baseball Career

Treinen’s baseball journey didn’t follow the typical script. He wasn’t a big recruit out of high school and started out at Baker University, a small NAIA school in Kansas. After a transfer to Arkansas, he eventually found his place at South Dakota State University, where his pitching really started to stand out.

While playing for the Jackrabbits, Treinen developed his pitching arsenal and started catching the eyes of MLB scouts. His college years highlighted his raw arm talent and determination—even if he was a bit of a late bloomer.

The Oakland Athletics saw his potential and picked him in the 7th round (226th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft. That marked the beginning of his pro baseball journey, though not many could’ve guessed he’d become one of the game’s top relievers.

MLB Career Overview

Blake Treinen has carved out a spot as one of baseball’s premier relief pitchers, famous for his nasty sinker and slider combo. He’s bounced around a bit, playing for three organizations and experiencing both big moments and some tough setbacks.

Debut and Early Seasons

Blake Treinen made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals on April 12, 2014. He mostly worked out of the bullpen early on, with the occasional spot start.

By 2016, Treinen started to make a name for himself as a key reliever, posting a 2.28 ERA in 73 games. His power sinker—sometimes touching 100 mph—became his calling card.

The Nationals gave him the closer role to start 2017, but some early struggles led to a change. In July, the team traded him to the Oakland Athletics in a package deal. That move ended up being a turning point for Treinen.

Major League Teams

Treinen has suited up for three MLB teams so far:

1. Washington Nationals (2014-2017) – Found his footing as a starter and reliever before settling in the bullpen
2. Oakland Athletics (2017-2019) – Enjoyed his best years, including an All-Star nod
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-Present) – Signed a one-year, $10 million deal before landing longer-term contracts

With Oakland, Treinen put together one of the best relief seasons ever in 2018: a 0.78 ERA, 38 saves, and 100 strikeouts in 80.1 innings. He made the All-Star team and finished 6th in AL Cy Young voting.

After joining the Dodgers in December 2019, Treinen revived his career as a high-leverage reliever, eventually signing a two-year, $22 million extension to stick around.

Postseason Performances

Treinen has pitched in plenty of postseason games, with his biggest moments coming as a Dodger. During their 2020 World Series run, he played a crucial role out of the bullpen.

In those playoffs, Treinen appeared in 11 games and posted a 3.86 ERA, helping the Dodgers win their first title since 1988. His knack for getting ground balls and missing bats made him a go-to option in tight spots.

He kept that up in 2021, pitching in 7 playoff games. The Dodgers didn’t repeat as champs, but Treinen stayed a steady late-inning presence.

Injuries have sometimes limited his playoff availability, but when he’s healthy, Treinen is one of those relievers teams trust in October—able to handle multiple innings and face the toughest hitters.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Blake Treinen has made his mark as one of baseball’s most dominant relievers. His career is full of standout seasons, respect from his peers, and some pretty wild stats that show just how good he’s been on the mound.

All-Star Selections

Treinen’s biggest individual honor came in 2018, when he made the All-Star Game with the Oakland Athletics. That wasn’t just a pat on the back—it came during his most dominant season ever.

He earned his spot among the game’s best by putting up historic numbers in the first half. That All-Star nod really cemented his rise from middle reliever to elite closer.

Treinen’s ability to rack up ground balls with his heavy sinker, while still striking out plenty of batters, made him a unique weapon out of the bullpen.

Awards and Recognitions

Besides his All-Star selection, Treinen picked up a lot of recognition for his monster 2018 season. He finished 6th in AL Cy Young voting—a rare feat for a reliever, since starters usually dominate those awards.

He even got some AL MVP votes, which is almost unheard of for a bullpen guy. That speaks volumes about how valuable his dominance was to Oakland that year.

The Dodgers showed their faith in Treinen by signing him to a 2-year, $22 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid relief pitchers in baseball. That’s a big deal, especially for a non-closer.

Notable Records

In 2018, Treinen did something no other pitcher in MLB history had managed before: he became the first pitcher to rack up at least 30 saves, an ERA under 1.00, and 100+ strikeouts in a single season. That 0.78 ERA is still one of the lowest ever for a reliever with real innings.

He’s always had one of the highest ground ball rates in MLB, which makes him especially tough to homer off of—no small feat in the home run-happy late 2010s.

Treinen also played a big role on the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series team. As a key bullpen arm during that wild, shortened season, he helped lock down some clutch playoff wins.

Pitching Profile

Blake Treinen has turned into one of baseball’s most effective relievers thanks to his rare mix of velocity and movement. His unique pitching style makes him a huge asset in the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Pitch Arsenal and Style

Treinen’s bread and butter is his sinker, which usually sits at 96-98 mph and has wicked late movement. That pitch is his calling card—it gets ground balls at an elite rate and makes him especially tough in big moments. He pairs it with a nasty slider that breaks in the opposite direction, keeping hitters guessing.

What really sets Treinen apart is his cutter, which he added while playing for Oakland. That pitch, sitting in the mid-90s, helps him handle lefties. He’ll also mix in a four-seam fastball that can touch 99 mph when he needs to reach back for a little extra.

As a dominant reliever, Treinen doesn’t just chase strikeouts—he specializes in getting weak contact. His ground ball rates are always up there with the best among relievers.

Signature Performances

That 2018 season in Oakland stands out as Treinen’s masterpiece: a 0.78 ERA and 38 saves. It earned him All-Star honors and a seventh-place Cy Young finish—pretty rare for a reliever.

With the Dodgers, Treinen has delivered in big moments, especially during their 2020 World Series run. He’s shown he can come into high-leverage spots and shut down the best hitters—gotta respect that kind of mental toughness and elite skill set.

Even after dealing with injuries lately, he’s bounced back and proved he’s still a key piece in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Treinen’s versatility lets him pitch in all kinds of roles, from multiple innings to closing games.

He’s especially valuable when there are runners on—his knack for getting double plays has cemented his reputation as one of the best relief specialists in the game.

Blake Treinen’s Contract History

Blake Treinen has worked his way up the financial ladder in MLB, landing some impressive contracts that show just how much teams value his relief work. His earnings have climbed a lot since his early days.

Initial Signing and Contracts

Treinen started his pro career on modest contracts after getting drafted in the seventh round in 2011. He spent his early years on minor league deals before making his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals.

While with the Nationals, Treinen earned close to the league minimum as he found his footing. His first real pay jump came through the MLB arbitration process, which lets players with 3-6 years of service time negotiate for higher salaries.

After his breakout All-Star season in 2018 with the Oakland Athletics, Treinen scored a big raise through arbitration. That year—when he posted a 0.78 ERA as one of the game’s top closers—really boosted his market value.

Major MLB Contracts

Blake Treinen’s career really jumped financially when he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2019. That was his first eight-figure salary for a single season, and it showed just how much teams valued him as a top-tier reliever.

After helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series, Treinen landed an even bigger payday. The Dodgers saw how important he’d become in their bullpen and handed him a two-year, $22 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus.

His current deal pays him $8 million for the 2025 season, and his career earnings have climbed to about $38 million. That’s a hefty sum and puts him among the better-paid relief pitchers in MLB history.

The Dodgers have kept Treinen around even though it means pushing their payroll into luxury tax territory. They clearly think he’s worth it.

Recent Deals and Current Contract

Blake Treinen locked in a contract extension with the Dodgers, keeping him as a key bullpen arm. The new deal shows the team still believes in him, even with some injury worries hanging over his head.

Los Angeles Dodgers Contract Details

On December 10, 2024, Treinen agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract to stay with the Dodgers. This one’s a modest bump from his previous two-year, $17.5 million deal after 2020.

He’ll earn about $11 million per year with this contract, which puts him near the top for relievers. According to salary info, Treinen’s 2025 salary is set at $8 million, so maybe there’s some deferred money or incentives in the mix.

His net worth now sits at over $38 million, a testament to his success as a high-leverage reliever.

2024 Season Outlook

Treinen’s performance in 2024 probably played a big part in the Dodgers’ decision to offer him this extension. The team is still running one of the biggest payrolls in baseball, and Treinen’s contract adds to their luxury tax headaches.

Early in the 2025 season, Treinen ran into more health problems. On April 19, 2025, the Dodgers put him on the injured list, so his availability is up in the air.

Before that, he took part in spring training and was lined up to pitch in the late innings. His experience and past results made him a big part of the Dodgers’ bullpen plans heading into 2025.

Trades, Free Agency, and Market Impact

Treinen’s career has been shaped by some major moves and contract choices. Teams have seen him as a serious piece in the free agent market thanks to his ability to pitch in big moments.

Major Trades

Treinen’s MLB journey features some pivotal trades. The first big one came in January 2017, when the Washington Nationals sent him to the Oakland Athletics in a deal that brought Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson to D.C.

That trade changed everything for Treinen. In Oakland, he went from being a middle reliever to an elite closer, putting together a ridiculous 2018 season with a 0.78 ERA and 38 saves. He made the All-Star team and established himself as one of the game’s best relievers.

Things went south in 2019, though, and the Athletics non-tendered him, making him a free agent. That move led to his signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Free Agent Status

As of May 2025, Treinen’s closing in on a big career milestone. He’ll hit free agency for the 2025-2026 season when his latest two-year, $22 million Dodgers contract (with a $5 million signing bonus) runs out.

Treinen’s pending free agency makes him one of the more intriguing relievers available. At this stage, teams will have to weigh his recent performance, injury history, and what he might still bring to the table.

The Dodgers have shown before that they’re willing to keep Treinen around when he’s healthy and making an impact.

Market Value and Demand

Treinen’s market value still depends on his health and his upside. His last Dodgers deal paid him about $11 million per year, which shows how much teams will pay for a proven late-inning arm.

Teams have started putting more money into bullpen depth lately, and Treinen’s high-velocity fastball and nasty slider have made him especially dangerous in the postseason.

A few things will shape his next contract:

• How healthy he is and how he’s been pitching
• His age and how much he has left in the tank
• Other free agent relievers in the market
• Whether teams want to spend on veteran bullpen arms

For contenders looking to beef up their bullpens, Treinen could be a big-time pickup—assuming he’s healthy and ready to go.

Injuries and Comebacks

Blake Treinen’s career hasn’t been easy. Injuries have threatened to knock him out of the majors more than once, but he keeps finding his way back.

Notable Injuries

Treinen’s toughest stretch came in 2022, when shoulder problems really limited him with the Dodgers. He only managed to appear in five games that season because of inflammation that eventually led to surgery.

Doctors found a partial tear in his shoulder capsule in April 2022. For a power pitcher who relies on velocity and sharp movement, that’s a scary diagnosis.

Before the shoulder issues, Treinen had back problems with the A’s in 2019, which played a part in his rough season after his All-Star 2018.

Tommy John Surgery and Recovery

In July 2023, Treinen had Tommy John surgery to fix the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. That’s a major operation for a pitcher, with recovery usually taking at least a year.

The timing was rough—he’d just been working his way back from the shoulder surgery when his elbow gave out. The Dodgers put him on the 60-day injured list after the procedure.

His rehab included:

• Gradual strength training
• Step-by-step throwing programs
• Bullpen work at higher intensities
• Simulated games to get back in rhythm

He worked closely with the Dodgers’ medical staff and tried to stay positive, even with the reality that he’d miss a lot of time.

Return to Play

Treinen stuck with his rehab and eventually made it back to the mound. He had to tweak his pitching style a bit, but he managed to recapture much of his old form.

The Dodgers showed faith in his comeback by signing him to a two-year, $22 million contract despite his injury history.

When he returned, Treinen adjusted his delivery to take some pressure off his repaired shoulder and elbow, but he kept the movement and velocity that made him effective.

His ability to bounce back has defined his career. When he’s healthy, he’s been one of the most dominant relievers in the game.

Career Earnings and Net Worth

Blake Treinen has built up a solid fortune since breaking into the majors in 2014. He started out on modest rookie deals and worked his way up to multi-million dollar contracts as he became one of the best relievers around.

Salary Progression

Treinen’s MLB paychecks were small at first with the Nationals, but things changed once he broke out with the A’s. His All-Star 2018 season (with a crazy 0.78 ERA) sent his market value soaring.

He made about $2.15 million in 2018, then got a big bump to $6.4 million in 2019. After that, he signed a $10 million one-year deal with the Dodgers in December 2019.

The Dodgers doubled down, giving him a two-year, $22 million extension with a $5 million signing bonus. His current salary is $8 million, which is top-tier for a reliever.

Endorsements and Other Income

Treinen isn’t exactly a commercial superstar, but he’s picked up some endorsement deals along the way. As a respected pitcher—especially for his “turbo sinker”—he’s worked with a few baseball equipment brands.

Most of his endorsements are with companies that make pitching gear and training tools. These deals don’t come close to his MLB money, but they add a little extra.

He’s also run baseball camps and clinics, which lets him give back and earn some side income. Winning the World Series with the Dodgers in 2020 probably gave him a boost in marketability, too.

Treinen keeps a pretty low profile off the field, though—he seems more focused on pitching than building a brand.

Estimated Net Worth

Blake Treinen’s net worth is about $38 million, almost all from his MLB contracts. That reflects a decade-plus in pro baseball, some big deals, and smart money moves.

His biggest payday came with the Dodgers, thanks to the $5 million signing bonus and the guaranteed $22 million. That set him up for long-term financial security.

He’s had a notable impact on the Dodgers’ payroll, especially since they’re often flirting with the luxury tax. When he’s healthy, his salary has matched his contributions, making him a worthwhile investment.

Chances are, Treinen’s got his money in real estate and other investments, too. And with a few good years possibly left, his net worth could still climb—both from baseball and whatever he’s got working off the field.

Personal Life

Off the field, Blake Treinen keeps things pretty private. He’s managed to balance his baseball career with family life and giving back to the community.

Family and Relationships

Blake Treinen was born June 30, 1988, in Wichita, Kansas. He doesn’t share much about his family, but he’s married to Kati Treinen. Their relationship has helped him get through the highs and lows of his career.

The Treinens stay mostly out of the spotlight, though Blake sometimes mentions his family’s support after games. In the offseason, he makes it a point to spend real time with them.

He’s also open about his faith, saying it helps him deal with the pressures of pro baseball and keeps him grounded during tough stretches.

Charity and Community Involvement

Treinen has built a reputation as a guy who gives back, taking part in charity work and community outreach with the Dodgers. He’s helped out at youth baseball camps and worked with kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

During the holidays, he often joins charity events—especially around New Year’s, helping raise money for children’s hospitals and food banks.

He’s also supported military families throughout his career, visiting veterans’ hospitals and attending events for service members.

Treinen doesn’t seek the spotlight for his charity work, but teammates have noticed his behind-the-scenes efforts and the time he spends with fans, especially young baseball players.

Legacy and Influence

Blake Treinen has carved out a unique spot in MLB history, thanks to his one-of-a-kind pitching style and his ability to bounce back from setbacks. His influence goes beyond stats—he’s changed how teams think about relief pitching and shown what it takes to overcome tough breaks at the highest level.

Impact on MLB

Treinen’s sinker-slider combo really shook up how teams think about developing relief pitchers, especially closers. When he hit his stride with the Oakland Athletics back in 2018, he cranked out a ridiculous 0.78 ERA. Honestly, that kind of dominance doesn’t come around often, and it made a lot of teams rethink the way they value top bullpen arms.

He started out as a setup guy for the Washington Nationals, then turned into an elite closer, and later dealt with injuries as a reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His ups and downs have turned into a bit of a blueprint—or maybe a cautionary tale—about how pitchers adapt and develop. Teams like the Astros and Mariners have tried to build their own sinkerball specialists, hoping to find the next Treinen. Here’s a look at how the Astros have approached it.

A bunch of today’s relievers, like Clay Holmes from the Yankees, have dug into Treinen’s methods, trying to master that wild pitch movement while still keeping things under control. It’s not easy, but you can see his influence all over the league.

Reputation Among Peers

Among fellow players, Treinen stands out for his perseverance through tough times. Max Scherzer, his old teammate from the Nationals, often talks about Treinen’s work ethic and his mindset when things get rough.

“Blake really showed us all what it means to rebuild yourself mentally after setbacks,” said Trea Turner, who played with Treinen on both the Nationals and Dodgers. That kind of honesty sticks with you.

Younger pitchers look up to Treinen for his analytical approach. While rehabbing injuries with the Dodgers, he gave Yoshinobu Yamamoto advice on pitching mechanics and how to handle the mental side of things. It’s not every day you see a veteran take the time for that.

Treinen doesn’t complain about switching roles—closer, setup man, whatever the team needs. Managers and teammates notice. Coaches even point out his professionalism as something younger relievers should try to match.

Guys like Jordan Romano and Trevor Williams have mentioned how Treinen influenced the way they deal with late-game pressure. It’s clear his impact goes beyond just his own stats.