Brief Introduction of Blake Treinen
Blake Treinen, born on June 30, 1988, is an accomplished American professional baseball pitcher widely recognized for his formidable presence on the mound in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his powerful sinker and devastating sweeper, Treinen has carved out a notable career, primarily as a relief pitcher. He has played for the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and is currently a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Treinen is particularly known for his exceptional 2018 All-Star season with the Oakland Athletics, where he posted a remarkable 0.78 ERA. His contributions have also been instrumental in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series championship victories, solidifying his reputation as a high-impact reliever in crucial moments. Blake Treinen’s journey in professional baseball showcases resilience and consistent performance at the highest level.
Blake Treinen Overview
| Full Name | Blake Michael Treinen |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Train |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1988 |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Birthplace | Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Height | 6′ 5″ (196 cm) |
| Weight | 225 lbs (102 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Teams | Washington Nationals (2014–2017), Oakland Athletics (2017–2019), Los Angeles Dodgers (2020–present) |
| Bat/Throw | Right/Right |
| Spouse | Kati Treinen (née Isham) |
| Children | Four (Addison, Krue, Quinn, and another daughter) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million (latest available information) |
| Education | Osage City High School, Baker University, University of Arkansas, South Dakota State University |
Early Life and Education of Blake Treinen
Blake Michael Treinen was born on June 30, 1988, in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.. He spent his formative years in Osage City, Kansas, a small town with a graduating class of only 48 students in his high school. Treinen’s early relationship with baseball was not straightforward. He played for his high school team as a freshman but decided to quit during his sophomore year, partly due to a lack of enjoyment and a feeling that his talent level was below his peers.
During this period, Treinen also faced personal health challenges, including a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis and borderline Type II diabetes. His mother urged him to address these issues, leading him to focus on improving his health. That summer, he visited cousins in San Diego who encouraged a healthy diet and daily running. This period marked a significant turning point, as he lost approximately 40 pounds and experienced a growth spurt, reaching 5’11”.
He returned to baseball in his junior year, with his fastball velocity topping out at 79 miles per hour. Despite earning honorable mention all-area honors in his senior season at Osage City High School, he did not receive significant attention from college recruiters.
Treinen’s collegiate journey began at Baker University, where he played college baseball for the Baker Wildcats in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in 2007. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas in 2008 but did not play for their baseball team, and an attempt to walk onto the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team was unsuccessful. During a Christmas break, Treinen participated in a baseball training camp led by retired Minor League Baseball pitcher Don Czyz, who recommended him to Richie Price, the head coach of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits baseball team.
He subsequently transferred to South Dakota State University, though NCAA transfer rules required him to sit out the 2009 season. By the time he was able to pitch for the Jackrabbits, his fastball velocity averaged 87 to 88 mph. In his senior year in 2011, Treinen posted a 7–3 win-loss record and a 3.00 earned run average (ERA), striking out 84 batters in 84 innings, with his fastball reaching 97 miles per hour. This improved performance significantly boosted his draft stock. He graduated from South Dakota State University.
Blake Treinen’s Career
Blake Treinen’s professional baseball career commenced when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB Draft, receiving a $52,000 signing bonus. He began his professional journey with the Athletics’ single-A affiliate, the Stockton Ports.
Before the 2013 season, Treinen was traded to the Washington Nationals as part of a three-team deal. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Nationals on April 12, 2014, pitching against the Atlanta Braves. During his time with the Nationals, he was utilized in both starting and relief roles, experiencing inconsistent success. He appeared in 60 games in 2015, recording a 3.86 ERA, and showed improvement in 2016 with a 2.28 ERA.
In 2017, Treinen was traded back to the Oakland Athletics. This move proved to be a turning point, as he established a dominant pitching style centered around his powerful sinker. He recorded 13 saves with the A’s in 2017, converting his last 12 save opportunities successfully. His talent truly flourished in 2018, where he evolved into one of the American League’s premier relief pitchers. That season, he posted an exceptional 0.78 ERA, accumulated 38 saves (ranking third in the AL), and struck out 100 batters, earning him an All-Star selection and placing him in the conversation for the Cy Young Award. His sinker, averaging 96–99 mph, was particularly effective, generating significant groundballs and whiffs.
The 2019 season, however, saw a reversal of fortune for Treinen. Battling minor ailments and a slight decrease in fastball velocity, he struggled to a 4.91 ERA with 16 saves in 57 relief appearances, and his strikeout rate dipped while his walk rate more than doubled. He was placed on the injured list with right shoulder soreness in June 2019 and eventually ceded his closer role to Liam Hendriks. Following the season, the Athletics non-tendered him, making him a free agent.
On December 15, 2019, Treinen signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw him primarily in a setup role, appearing in 27 games with a 3.86 ERA. He played a significant role in the Dodgers’ postseason run, pitching in 11 crucial games, including the World Series, and contributing to their 2020 championship victory.
In 2021, Treinen regained his dominant form, signing a two-year, $17.5 million deal with the Dodgers. He appeared in 72 games, posting an impressive 1.99 ERA, recording seven saves, and leading MLB with 32 holds. His pitching style evolved, with a significant increase in groundball rate and increased usage of his sinker and slider.
Shoulder pain resurfaced in 2022, limiting him to just five appearances before he underwent right shoulder surgery in the offseason. He missed the entire 2023 season while rehabilitating, with the Dodgers exercising a conditional option for 2024 at $1 million.
Treinen made his return to the mound on May 5, 2024, despite a setback with a bruised lung during spring training. He pitched in 50 games for the Dodgers, posting an excellent 1.93 ERA with a 7–3 record and 56 strikeouts, contributing to the team’s 2024 World Series championship run.
As of the 2025 season, Treinen continues to be an active pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career statistics through September 6, 2025, include a 44–37 win-loss record, a 2.83 earned run average, 590 strikeouts, and 82 saves across 11 seasons.
Blake Treinen Personal Life & Family
Blake Treinen is married to Kati Treinen, whose maiden name is Isham. Kati herself is a notable athlete, having been a two-time Idaho Player of the Year in basketball during high school and a standout player at Boise State University, where she set a record for most three-pointers in a season. Together, Blake and Kati have four children: two daughters named Addison and Quinn, and a son named Krue, along with another daughter. Their family resides in Walla Walla, Washington, where Kati also serves as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Walla Walla Community College. The family also includes a bulldog named Maxx “C”.
Treinen is known to be a devout Roman Catholic Christian. His faith plays a significant role in his life. In October 2024, Treinen notably flew home to Washington to be present for the birth of his fourth child, Quinn, between games of the National League Division Series, a decision for which he expressed gratitude to the Dodgers organization for facilitating. He stated that welcoming a new child is a miracle and that his family and personal milestones are paramount, sometimes intertwining with his professional achievements.
The Treinens’ move to Walla Walla was partly influenced by Kati’s desire to be closer to their church community and her opportunity to join her former coach’s staff at Walla Walla Community College. Blake also joined the Whitman College baseball coaching staff in the fall of 2015, an off-season gig that played a role in their decision to settle in Washington.
Awards and Achievements of Blake Treinen
Throughout his career, Blake Treinen has garnered several significant awards and achievements, highlighting his impact as a top-tier relief pitcher in Major League Baseball:
- MLB All-Star: 2018
- World Series Champion: 2020, 2024 (with the Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Baseball Digest Closer of the Year: 2018
- AL Reliever of the Month: May 2018, September 2018
- MLB-leading 32 Holds: 2021 (with the Los Angeles Dodgers)
Blake Treinen Net Worth and Income
As a seasoned professional baseball player, Blake Treinen’s income primarily stems from his MLB contracts, endorsements, and related ventures. Based on the latest available information, his net worth is estimated to be approximately $10 million.
His career earnings have been substantial, particularly during his tenures with the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Key contract details include:
- A $6.4 million salary in 2019 after winning an arbitration case against Oakland.
- A one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2020 season.
- A two-year, $17.5 million deal with the Dodgers for the 2021-2022 seasons, which included a $4 million signing bonus.
- An extension with the Dodgers in 2022 for one year, $8 million for 2023, plus a conditional option for 2024. The Dodgers exercised this 2024 option at $1 million.
These contracts reflect his value as a high-leverage relief pitcher in MLB, contributing significantly to his overall net worth and income over his extensive career.
Legacy and Influence
Blake Treinen’s legacy in baseball is characterized by his journey from an unheralded high school player to an elite MLB reliever and World Series champion. His ability to overcome early health challenges and develop into a dominant force on the mound serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Treinen’s 2018 All-Star season, marked by a historically low 0.78 ERA, showcased a level of dominance rarely seen in modern relief pitching, cementing his place among the game’s top closers for that period.
His consistent performance, especially his distinctive sinker and sweeper, has made him a valuable asset to every team he’s played for. With the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has been a critical component of two World Series-winning bullpens, demonstrating his capacity to perform under immense pressure in the postseason. Beyond the statistics, Treinen is known for his strong Christian faith and family-oriented lifestyle, which he openly shares. This aspect of his life, while personal, has contributed to his public image, particularly evident in his public statements regarding his beliefs. His willingness to prioritize family, as seen with his presence at the birth of his child during a critical playoff series, highlights his values beyond the game.
Interesting Facts about Blake Treinen
- Blake Treinen initially quit baseball in his sophomore year of high school after feeling he was not talented enough and facing prediabetes and juvenile arthritis. He subsequently lost 40 pounds and experienced a growth spurt, returning to the sport with renewed vigor.
- During college, he tried to walk onto the University of Arkansas baseball team but was denied an opportunity to try out.
- His distinctive pitching arsenal relies heavily on a hard-breaking sinker and a devastating sweeper, pitches that have consistently generated high groundball rates and swings-and-misses throughout his career.
- In his remarkable 2018 All-Star season with the Oakland Athletics, Treinen finished with an ERA of 0.78, one of the lowest ERAs ever recorded by a reliever with significant innings pitched in modern baseball.
- Treinen’s wife, Kati, was also a highly accomplished athlete, a collegiate basketball star who set records at Boise State University.
- He has been an answer on “Jeopardy!”
- The Treinen family dog, a bulldog named Maxx “C”, is famous for making the annual drive to spring training with Blake.
- In October 2024, he flew home for the birth of his fourth child, Quinn, between Games 4 and 5 of the NLDS, returning to close out Game 5 and send the Dodgers to the NLCS.
Controversies
Blake Treinen has been involved in several public controversies, primarily stemming from his outspoken views on social and political issues, often shared through his social media platforms.
In 2021, Treinen attracted attention for his social media activity, which included linking to websites promoting unverified claims about the COVID-19 vaccine and alleged conspiracies about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. He also reportedly associated with a controversial missionary known for protesting COVID-19 restrictions and for affiliations with neo-fascists. His Instagram bio at one point linked to a figure described as a “Prophet of God” who claimed responsibility for the January 6 Capitol riots and called Democrats “wicked.” These actions led to criticism from some media outlets and raised concerns about the potential impact on team dynamics, particularly regarding vaccine protocols during the pandemic.
In May 2023, Treinen publicly criticized the Los Angeles Dodgers organization for its decision to re-invite and honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBTQ+ charity group known for using drag and satirical religious imagery, at their annual Pride Night event. As a devout Roman Catholic Christian, Treinen stated his disappointment, asserting that many of the group’s performances are “blasphemous” and “promote hate of Christians and people of faith.” He released a lengthy statement through a friend’s Twitter account and his own, emphasizing that his convictions in Jesus Christ would always come first and that the event “disenfranchises a large community and promotes hate of Christians and people of faith.” This stance drew both support from religious conservative groups and criticism for being perceived as divisive and contradictory given his own public platform.
Social Media Presence
Blake Treinen maintains a presence on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. His accounts are often used to share updates related to his baseball career, personal life, and occasionally, his views on various topics. His online presence has sometimes been a source of public discussion, particularly concerning his strong religious beliefs and opinions on social issues.
While specific current follower counts for his social media profiles are subject to change and not consistently provided in the search results, his engagement on these platforms reflects his role as a public figure in professional sports. For instance, in September 2025, his performance in a game was a topic of discussion on social media, indicating active public engagement with his career.
Final Words about Blake Treinen
Blake Treinen stands as a testament to perseverance and exceptional talent in Major League Baseball. His journey, marked by early struggles and a remarkable resurgence, highlights a career forged through dedication. As a two-time World Series champion and former All-Star, Treinen has consistently proven his capability to perform at the highest level, particularly as a dominant relief pitcher. His current status with the Los Angeles Dodgers sees him continuing to contribute to one of baseball’s premier franchises, demonstrating his enduring value on the mound. Treinen’s legacy is defined not only by his impressive statistics and championship rings but also by his strong personal convictions and his commitment to family. Looking ahead, Blake Treinen remains a significant figure in professional baseball, with a career reflecting both athletic excellence and a distinct personal identity.
