Dodgers $12 million World Series hero could soon leave L.A. to join Yankees | Sporting News

The Los Angeles Dodgers certainly have a leg up on the New York Yankees at the moment. But that might not last forever.

After downing the Yankees in five games in the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers are hoping to establish a Major League Baseball dynasty. They’ve now won two rings in five years, and with a trio of Most Valuable Player winners atop their lineup, they could add several more in the seasons to come.

However, the Yankees are still poised to threaten the Dodgers’ reign in future World Series, especially if they retain superstar outfielder Juan Soto. And things could get a little more interesting if New York snags one of L.A.’s most dependable weapons from this past October.

Veteran relief pitcher Blake Treinen was lights-out for the Dodgers this season, posting a 1.94 ERA in the regular season and a 2.18 in the playoffs. Zach Pressnell of Newsweek recently named Treinen as a fit for the Yankees to replace their erstwhile free-agent closer, Clay Holmes.

“Right-hander Blake Treinen is entering free agency at the age of 36, but he still has a lot left in the tank. The righty posted a sub-2.00 ERA with a 1.4 WAR last regular season,” Pressnell said.

“He’s only projected to land a one or two-year contract worth about $10 million to $12 million per season. I’m sure the Yankees faithful would be okay with paying him that, as long as they don’t have to see Holmes try to close games down in the Bronx anymore.”

Treinen threw 2 1/3 enormous innings against the Yankees in Game 5, striking out three and keeping the Yankees at bay while the bullpen was completely empty behind him. He showed the kind of grit that any team could use in October, and that the Yankees appeared to be lacking.

Losing Treinen to New York wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Dodgers, but it would definitely hurt. If any team can be trusted to fill a hole in their bullpen, however, it’s the pitching-savvy Los Angeles club.

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