Red Sox Hot Stove Targets: Dodgers reliever Corey Knebel solves some bullpen issues?
The Red Sox will be looking for additional help in the bullpen this offseason. One name Sox fans should be on the lookout for his Dodgers free agent Corey Knebel.
The 29-year-old right-handed enters the free agent market after a successful year with the Dodgers. Last season, Knebel finished with a 4-0 record, with a 2.45 ERA, struck out 30 batters over 25 2/3 innings. He also appeared in 27 games while starting four of them.
The right-hander did miss all of May, June and July with a lat injury before returning Aug. 10. Knebel posted a 1.83 ERA in 19 appearances upon his return.
Knebel has been one of the best relievers in baseball during his career. His time with both the Brewers and Dodgers has been impressive. The right-handed posted a 2.54 ERA in 133 games, with a 40.2-percent strikeout rate from 2017-2018. Knebel would lose the 2019 season with Tommy John surgery. He would only see 15 games in 2020, posting a 6.08 ERA.
Knebel landing in Boston would immediately improve their bullpen. Especially for a bullpen who’s closer was a shell of himself in the second-half of the season. All-Star closer Matt Barnes was abysmal from July 11 and Oct 1. Over 23 games, Barnes saw his ERA climb, as he amassed a 6.11 ERA, with 12 earned runs through 17 2/3 innings.
Barnes had 24 saves for the Red Sox this season, posting a 3.79 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings.
While Knebel may not be the closer of the future, he could provide protection is Barnes struggles again next season.
Knebel would also provide exceptional versatility of the Red Sox in the bullpen. As the club looks to move Garrett Whitlock to the rotation in 2022, could Knebel fill his role in the bullpen next season?
The Dodgers utilized Knebel in numerous situations during his time in Los Angeles. It’s hard to think the Dodgers let him walk in free agency. Numerous teams will be lining up for Knebel’s services and Chaim Bloom should be interested.
Barnes performance last year is cause for concern and Boston needs to address that by adding to the bullpen. Losing Whitlock to the rotation is a win but it also now creates a major hole on the bullpen. Knebel could be that versatile swingman for Alex Cora. The Red Sox shouldn’t hesitate on Knebel and bring him to Beantown.