9. Corey Knebel
Years as a Brewer: 2015-Present
184.1 IP, 3.40 FIP, 1.23 WHIP
Corey Knebel was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers in the Yovani Gallardo trade prior to the 2016 season with the Texas Rangers. Prior to the trade, he had pitched one lone season in Detroit where he only threw 8.2 innings.
Knebel’s 2015 and 2016 seasons were nothing special. 2015 was the better of the two years where he compiled a 4.03 FIP along with a 1.2 WHIP. The issue with Knebel’s 2016 season was an increase in walks. His 2015 year had him walking three batters per nine as opposed to his 2016 where that stat jumped up to 4.4 walks per nine. As a result, his WHIP went up to 1.47 in 2016.
Knebel put his doubters’ criticisms to rest in 2017 where he had a breakout season. He earned 39 saves, had a FIP of 2.53, and a K/9 of 14.9. These numbers earned him a spot on the All-Star roster. He was an integral part of the 2017 surprise Milwaukee team as he ranked third on the team in WAR.
Knebel has been off to a rough start to 2018. He was forced to the disabled list with a hamstring injury early on the season and has not seemed to ever find his footing. He’s had 4.53 FIP and his walks remain an issue (4.3 BB/9). Some have been calling for him to be removed from the closer’s role. Regardless, we hope that Corey is able to find his former success after the All-Star break.