MLB champions should shell out $2.9 million to do so

•  2024 Major League Baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were among the heavy favorites to win the title, thanks to a roster full of talent both on offense and pitching.

Despite the injury to their ace, Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers proved that they are currently the most complete team in MLB.

Figures such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, complemented by the multi-million dollar signing of Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, did not disappoint and won their second MLB title in the present millennium after defeating the New York Yankees in five games.

The importance of the bullpen for the Dodgers

In addition, the Californians proved that they did not just rely on those three players. For example, the team’s bullpen stepped up, starting with reliever Blake Treinen, who had one of the best seasons of his career and posted a 1.93 ERA in 50 regular season appearances.

In the postseason, Treinen had a 2.19 ERA in nine appearances, to become a reliable pitcher with an impressive ratio of 18 strikeouts to four walks in 12 1/3 innings pitched, with two wins to his credit and three saves.

However, now Treinen has become a free agent and is projected to receive a deal worth just $2.4 million dollars this winter for one season, according to sportingnews.com.

So far, it is not known if Treinen will return for 2025 with the Dodgers, but MLB.com analyst Mark Feinsand suggested that the Dodgers should achieve a reunion and an agreement with the pitcher.

“Blake Treinen (right-handed pitcher), after missing all of 2023 due to shoulder surgery, posted a 1.93 ERA in 50 appearances in 2024, holding opposing teams scoreless in his last 15 outings from Aug. 24 through the end of the regular season,” explained Feinsand.

“The 36-year-old also had a stellar postseason, helping the Dodgers reach the World Series.”

The Dodgers need to take a look at the bullpen this offseason, and a reunion to seek a deal with Treinen should be a priority.