Phillies Reportedly Sign All-Star Ahead Of MLB Lockout

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Phillies have made their first big splash of the winter just hours before the anticipated MLB lockout, as they have reportedly agreed to terms with free agent relief pitcher Corey Knebel.

Knebel, 30, was an All Star in 2017 and was one of the best available bullpen options on the free agent market this winter. While the Phillies will surely have many other notable signings this offseason, they will likely have to wait weeks if not months, as the owners and the player's union are set to go on a lockout Thursday as they look to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

The deal, first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, is for one year. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman adds that Knebel will receive a $10 million salary.

Knebel's signing comes days after the Phillies lost free agent and long time closer Hector Neris, who signed a two year, $17 million deal with the Astros. While Knebel is getting more money in 2021, the Phillies are choosing to not commit themselves to a longer term deal with a player at a notoriously volatile position.

The ephemeral inconsistency of relief pitchers aside, Knebel has shown flashes of being among the game's best when he's healthy. 2021 saw him throw 25 innings with a 2.45 ERA, elite production that the Phillies bullpen, one of the worst in the majors for two years running, sorely lacked last season.

With the exception of the pandemic shortened 2020 season, Knebel's underlying numbers for his entire career are those of a top end reliever. His career highlight thus far was 2017, when he led all relievers with 76 appearances, striking out 126 in 76 innings and holding a microscopic 1.78 ERA.

If Knebel can stay healthy this deal will look like a steal. He instantly becomes their best reliever, and likely one of the only sure late inning options for the 2022 bullpen along with Archie Bradley and Seranthony Dominguez. Jose Alvarado, Sam Coonrod, and Connor Brogdon are likely to join that trio, but the Phillies still need at least two if not three more high-leverage arms to keep pace in a frenetic NL East.