A move that most people expected has now reportedly come to fruition. According to Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle, the Oakland Athletics have decided to non-tender All-Star closer Blake Treinen.
Working with a smaller budget and boasting a pretty decent back end of the bullpen, there was no real reason for Oakland to retain Treinen.
The 31-year-old reliever was projected to earn nearly $8 million in the final year of arbitration. He’ll now hit the free agent market with the New York Yankees having already shown interest.
Acquired from the Washington Nationals during the 2017 campaign, Treinen was absolutely dominant in his first full season with Oakland the following year. He struggled big time this past season.
2018: 9-2 record, 0.78 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 38 saves
2019: 6-5 record, 4.91 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 16 saves
Treinen was replaced by eventual All-Star Liam Hendriks as Oakland’s closer about midway through the 2019 season.
Contending teams will certainly look to buy low on the veteran in hopes that he returns to 2018 form.