Phillies Bring In Desperately-Needed Bullpen Help

With the 6th-worst bullpen ERA in the major leagues in 2021, the Philadelphia Phillies know that's a major area of improvement to concentrate on this offseason. They got at it just hours before the impending lockout and signing freeze, by inking veteran reliever Corey Knebel to a contract for 2022. 

The Phillies have signed right-handed reliever Corey Knebel to a one-year year contract, President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski announced today.

Welcome to Philly, Corey! pic.twitter.com/BCAyyM2xrB

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 1, 2021

Knebel had a career revival with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, posting a strong 2.45 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP and 10.5 strikeouts per 9 innings. 

The 30-year-old will earn $10M with Phillies in '22, and is a prime candidate to pick up the bulk of the closing duties. He has 60 career saves, including a career-high 39 in an All-Star season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017. 

Injuries, however, derailed him in the past few years; he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2019 season, while a lat strain cost him a large chunk of his past season. 

When he's on the mound, though, he's usually ON. Knebel brings some swing-and-miss stuff to the Phillies 'pen, averaging a whopping 12.6 strikeouts per 9 innings in his career. 

Photo Credit:  Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports