Blake Treinen Defends Dodgers’ Spending Amid Criticism

As Major League Baseball approaches the final year of its current collective bargaining agreement, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves under scrutiny for their record-breaking spending. With a staggering $381 million payroll and over $1 billion in deferred payments, the Dodgers are not shying away from making bold moves. This offseason, they made headlines by signing superstar Shohei Ohtani, along with Teoscar Hernández and Blake Snell, and extending Tyler Glasnow and Will Smith. Additionally, they opened their wallets for four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker and three-time reliever of the year Edwin Díaz, spending a combined $309 million on the duo.

Blake Treinen, a veteran relief pitcher entering his seventh season with the Dodgers, responded candidly to the criticism surrounding the organization’s financial decisions. “Perception is built from the media and maybe owners that don’t like what the Dodgers are doing because they would have to do something similar,” Treinen remarked. He added, “And I say to that, ‘Maybe you’re in the wrong business.'” His words reflect a belief that teams should be willing to invest in their rosters if they aim to compete at the highest level.

Treinen further emphasized the importance of spending on talent, questioning the narrative that associates financial investment with losing money. “If you’re going to complain about a team willing to do what it takes to win, then I think you’re in the wrong business,” he stated. He pointed to the Milwaukee Brewers, who achieved the best record in baseball last season despite having the 22nd-highest payroll, as proof that teams can succeed without excessive spending. “You don’t always have to spend money to be great, look at the Brewers,” Treinen noted, acknowledging that a strong draft and player development system can also lead to success.

The Dodgers’ approach has not gone unnoticed, with notable players like Manny Machado of the Padres and Bryce Harper of the Phillies weighing in on the subject during spring training. However, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes clarified that the organization isn’t seeking external validation. “The validation is winning championships and putting out as good a team as we can each and every year,” he said, emphasizing the focus on continuous improvement and the ultimate goal of winning titles.

Manager Dave Roberts echoed Gomes’ sentiments, suggesting that the focus on payroll often overshadows the team’s strengths. “It does get lost, the things that we do well,” Roberts said, praising the Dodgers’ scouting and player development efforts. He insisted that the conversation should shift from payroll concerns to the positive impact the team has on the sport. “Why are we good for baseball? Because our players play the game the right way,” Roberts asserted.

In other news, the Dodgers’ ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, took the mound for a final outing before heading to the World Baseball Classic. He threw 52 pitches over three innings, allowing five hits and two runs in a 12-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants. Yamamoto reflected on his performance, noting that while his command was off early, he regained his rhythm in the second inning. Roberts confirmed that the Dodgers and Team Japan are aligned on Yamamoto’s workload during the WBC.

Roberts also provided an update on two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, stating that he won’t be ready for opening day. While progressing, Snell has only been throwing on flat ground, making it challenging to ramp up in time for the season opener.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.