One of the biggest areas of focus for the Los Angeles Dodgers this winter will be bolstering a bullpen that was among the best in all of baseball during the 2020 season.
The club has already addressed the unit by acquiring former All-Star closer Corey Knebel from the Milwaukee Brewers, who would have been non-tendered if a trade never materialized.
Should the right-hander return to his previous form, it would be a major boost to a bullpen that could potentially lose Pedro Baez and Blake Treinen in free agency. Knebel also provides insurance should Kenley Jansen’s struggles resurface next season.
Having already made one move, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged that improving the bullpen remains a focus for the club, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
“I think it’s safe to say that as we sit here in the beginning of December, that we still have some work to do in the bullpen,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “We like the guys who will be returning next year, but, obviously, we got some work to do there and fortunately there are a number of guys on the market — both in the free agent market and trade market — and so that’s where a decent amount of our attention is being spent right now. And I expect us to add at least a few guys before we get to [spring training].”
Friedman previously revealed that he is targeting relievers of the second tier in free agency. That most likely rules out potential pursuits of top free agents Liam Hendriks and Trevor Rosenthal, but there are still many intriguing options beyond those two.
One possible fit is former Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand, who was a surprise addition to the free-agent market after he went unclaimed on waivers.
The left-hander led the Majors with 16 saves this past season while also pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 22-to-4 strikeout to walk ratio. L.A. was said to have some interest in Hand, but it remains to be seen if they will still pursue him after the addition of Knebel.
L.A. has additionally reunited with Brandon Morrow and Brock Stewart, and re-signed Jimmy Nelson, among others added to the organization on a Minor League contract.
Knebel ‘can’t be more excited’ with trade to Dodgers
Knebel was a bit surprised by the Brewers’ decision to trade him, but he is thrilled to have joined the Dodgers. In 15 games this year, he pitched to a 6.08 ERA, 6.64 FIP and 1.73 WHIP over 13.1 innings.
It was Knebel’s first work on the mound since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2019. He was much improved down the stretch, allowing just two runs and holding opponents to a .167/.286/.250 batting line in six September appearances.
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