Nationals: Three Former Players Washington Should Go After

Blake Treinen

Blake Treinen was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2011, but was traded to the Washington Nationals before the start of the 2013 season. Treinen came up through the Nationals farm system and knows the team well. From 2014-2017 Treinen was apart of  Washington’s bullpen and at times held down the closer role.

Unfortunately, in 2017 he struggled with a 5.73 ERA and eventually became apart of the trade that sent Sean Doolittle to D.C. A change of scenery was exactly what Treinen needed because in 2018 with the A’s, he had a career year. He went 9-2, with a .78 ERA, 100 strikeouts, and a 1.82 ERA, while going 33 for 38 save opportunities. He took a major step back in 2019 which ended with the Athletic’s cutting him. He signed a one year prove-it deal with the Dodgers for 2020. Treinen had mixed results, going 3-3, with a 3.86 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and a 3.15 FIP. The veteran became a key part of the Dodgers bullpen for their World Series run. In 11.1 innings he went 1-1, allowing only six runs (4.76 ERA) while striking out 10. He went 1-0 in save opportunities and had three holds.

I was sad to see Treinen leave but I knew he needed a new start. Coming back to D.C. would benefit both sides. For Washington, they would be adding another steady reliever who could fill multiple roles. For Treinen, he would be joining a contender where he would be welcomed back with open arms.