The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Corey Knebel from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The right-hander was speculated as a potential non-tender candidate, but will be eligible for salary arbitration with the Dodgers now.
Knebel appeared in 15 games this past season, though struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery and pitched to a 6.08 ERA and 1.73 WHIP. Knebel dealt with a hamstring strain that required a stint on the 10-day injured list that spanned nearly three weeks.
By the end of the season Knebel was regularly touching the mid-90s on his fastball velocity. The 29-year-old was much improved upon returning from the IL, allowing just two runs and holding opponents to a .167/.286/.250 batting line over 6.2 innings pitched across six appearances.
Knebel fits the mold of other relief pitchers the Dodgers have taken a gamble on, and if he is able to replicate success similar to a 2017 All-Star season, it would be a significant boon to the L.A. bullpen.
The group could lose Pedro Baez and Blake Treinen, both of whom are free agents. There is also some uncertainty with Kenley Jansen, as he dealt with more inconsistency.
Furthermore, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman already stated the club was looking to add more variety to their bullpen.
Knebel was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn $5.125 million in his final year of salary arbitration.
Dodgers re-sign Alexander, tender contracts to other arbitration-eligible players
Prior to announcing their trade for Knebel, the Dodgers made a one-year contract with Scott Alexander official. He was among the organization’s players who are eligible for salary arbitration this offseason.
That group also includes Austin Barnes, Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Dylan Floro, Corey Seager and Julio Urias; each of the six was tendered a contract. Alexander’s salary reportedly is guaranteed, which is atypical for players going through the arbitration process.
Though, Alexander’s one-year pact agreed to before the 2020 season also was guaranteed.
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