Phillies in “serious pursuit” of All-Star reliever from Dombrowski’s past

The Phillies are in “serious pursuit” of Dave Dombrowski’s former first-round pick Corey Knebel

The Philadelphia Phillies are in serious need of bullpen upgrades, and the latest reports have them trying to reel in a big fish.

According to numerous MLB insiders, the Phillies are in “serious pursuit” of hard-throwing righty, Corey Knebel.

The 30-year-old pitched for the Dodgers in 2021 and finished the season with a 2.45 ERA over 27 appearances, including four starts, three closes, and three saves. He struck out 30 batters over 25 2/3 innings, and successfully shut down opposing lineups; he only walked nine batters and allowed two home runs. His 0.974 WHIP was a new personal single-season best.

However, the Phillies should not let recency bias cloud their judgment when it comes to the 2017 All-Star, who has been injured numerous times in his seven-year career. He’s had a UCL sprain, Tommy John surgery, and injuries to his hamstring and lat. Each of these injuries caused him to miss significant time.

Before coming to Los Angeles, Knebel spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. But he and Phillies POBO Dave Dombrowski go way back; Knebel was drafted by the then-Detroit Tigers GM in the first round of the 2013 June draft and debuted with Detroit in 2014.

Ironically, Knebel made his big-league debut against the Texas Rangers and would be traded to the Rangers later that same season, in exchange for Joakim Soria.

If Knebel does become a Phillie, it will be an interesting full-circle move. He once took the Brewers’ closer job from Neftali Feliz, who briefly pitched for the Phillies in 2021 before joining Knebel on the Dodgers for an even-briefer stint.

Signing Knebel would fit Dombrowski’s pattern of bringing standout players with him from team to team. The Phillies are also currently speaking with Nick Castellanos’ agents; he’s another former Tigers first-round pick from Dombrowski’s Detroit days.

Update: Phillies in agreement with Corey Knebel on a contract

December 1, 2021: Hours before the CBA expires at 11:59 PM ET, multiple reports confirm that the Phillies are in agreement with Corey Knebel on a contract.