SAN DIEGO — Former A’s closer Blake Treinen discussed a possible reunion with Oakland this offseason, but the right-hander ultimately elected to pitch elsewhere next year.
Treinen and the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million for the 2020 season. Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported the signing.
Treinen was non-tendered by the A’s earlier this month after posting a 4.91 ERA in 57 appearances this season. The Dodgers are betting on Treinen’s ability to regain the form he showed during the 2018 season when he finished sixth in American League Cy Young voting.
The 31-year-old compiled one of the most dominant seasons for any reliever this decade in 2018 when he posted a 0.78 ERA and converted 38 saves in 43 chances.
Treinen was entering his final year of arbitration and expected to earn around $6.5 million when the A’s decided to part ways with him at MLB’s non-tender deadline. The A’s reportedly struggled to find potential trade partners for the right-hander, but the deal Treinen signed Wednesday suggests he was coveted on the free agent market.
The 2018 All-Star joins a Dodgers bullpen as a set-up option with closer Kenley Jansen under contract through the 2021 season. Treinen gives Los Angeles another hard-throwing pitcher with experience in high-leverage situations as the Dodgers also have right-hander Joe Kelly returning to the fold next year.
Roark heads to Blue Jays
Treinen isn’t the only former A’s pitcher who agreed to a deal during the Winter Meetings.
Free agent starter Tanner Roark reportedly signed a two-year, $24 million contract to join the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation on Wednesday, according to Jon Heyman.
Roark was a midsummer acquisition by the A’s as he arrived in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. The right-hander started 10 games for Oakland and finished his tenure in the Bay Area with a 4.58 ERA over 55 innings.