Corey Knebel was the latest player the Los Angeles Dodgers lost in free agency, joining the likes of Corey Seager and Max Scherzer in moving on prior to the MLB Lockout.
The 30-year-old agreed to a one-year $10 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, who have been connected to most of the high-leverage relief pitchers this offseason.
Knebel spent most of this past season on the injured list with a right lat strain, but when he was on the field, was effective. Knebel posted a 2.45 ERA and 2.90 FIP while striking out 10.52 batters per nine innings and walking 3.16 per nine in 25.2 innings.
Knebel only spent one season in L.A. after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers when he was designated for assignment last offseason, but he thanked the team on Instagram for the memories he made during that short time.
Although it would have made sense for Knebel to return to L.A., the Dodgers effectively replaced him with Daniel Hudson, which took place prior to the Phillies making their move.
Knebel is coming off a better season than Hudson, who pitched to a 3.31 ERA and 3.21 FIP in 54 games for the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. However, Hudson signed for $4 million less than Knebel.
Knebel has a good chance to take over as the Phillies’ closer as they have had bullpen problems for quite some time, but at the very least he should pitch in a lot of big moments for them.
Dodgers thank Seager with video
After nine years in the Dodgers organization, Corey Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers.
Although Seager will not spend his entire career in L.A., he became a franchise hero in just a short amount of time, winning multiple awards and carrying the team to their first title since 1988.
After he officially signed his contract with the Rangers, the Dodgers posted a video with the caption “Forever a champion” that highlighted his accomplishments and thanked him for everything he did for the organization.
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