Phillies sign free agent reliever Corey Knebel

The Phillies announced Wednesday that they have signed free agent right-handed reliever Corey Knebel to a one-year contract. It’s their first significant free agent signing of the offseason.

According to Jon Heyman of Audacy Sports, the deal is worth $10 million.

Knebel, 30, had a 2.45 ERA in 25 2/3 innings in the regular season with Los Angeles in 2021. A lat strain kept him out for a sizable chunk of last season. In his All-Star season in 2017, Knebel saved 39 games for the Brewers.

He’ll almost certainly serve in a back end role for the Phillies in 2022, but it remains to be seen if Knebel would be an option to close games.

Phillies general manager Sam Fuld spoke a few weeks ago on the Phillies Talk podcast about the team’s strategy for building a bullpen.

“As we look to augment that part of our club, I really do think that it can be a strength of ours next year,” Fuld said. “There’s certainly a lot of ways to skin that cat. It might not be the most recognizable group, but that’s fine. A lot of successful bullpens are comprised of names that maybe aren’t household [names] and that’s fine by us.”

If the Phillies do prefer to acquire a closer with a lengthy track record, their options on the market are dwindling by the minute. Raisel Iglesias, the top option in free agency, reportedly re-signed with the Los Angeles Angels for four-years, $58 million. Shortly after the Knebel deal was announced, the Diamondbacks reportedly signed Mark Melancon to a two-year, $14 million deal.

That leaves Kenley Jansen as the last remaining true closer option on the free agent market. The White Sox’s Craig Kimbrel, who is under team control for $16 million in 2022, could be acquired via trade.

Dodgers ‘opener’ Corey Knebel could be a fit for the Phillies

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. 7 External CF Options The Phillies Could Consider With Starling Marte Off The Board
2. Aaron Nola Is Now The Longest-Tenured Phillie
3. Bryce Harper Wins 2021 NL MVP
4. 7 Former Phillies Appear On 2022 Hall Of Fame Ballot
5. Phillies Among Teams ‘Aggressively Pursuing’ Bryan Reynolds
6. Kevin Long On Kyle Schwarber: ‘I Do Think That He Would Fit The Phillies’
7. Phillies Reportedly Interested In 3 Star Closers
8. Bryce Harper Triggered Multiple Contractual Bonuses During Awards Season
9. Zack Wheeler Finishes A Close Second In NL Cy Young Award Voting
10. Bryce Harper’s Top 5 Home Runs Of 2021