Corey Knebel not the answer as Philadelphia Phillies closer

For years, it has seemed as though the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has been the baseball equivalent of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The Phillies would continually add new relievers to the mix, and for the most part, would end up with the same results. The bullpen was an issue once again heading into the offseason, and once again, there will be a new mix brought in to attempt to patch together a competent relief corps.

This year is somewhat different. The Phillies will head into 2022 with a new closer as Hector Neris signed with the Astros. As it currently stands, Corey Knebel is the favorite to take over the ninth inning, a move that is also fraught with risk.

Philadelphia Phillies still need to address closer role

Knebel has had success in the closer role before. Back in 2017, he notched 39 saves and made the All Star Game. However, he was not nearly as effective in 2018, then missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Although he struggled in his first season back, Knebel found success with the Dodgers last season. He posted an impressive 2.45 ERA and a 0.974 WHiP in his 25.2 innings, striking out 30 batters with just seven walks.

While it is possible that Knebel found the form that made him an All Star closer in the past, 25.2 innings is a small sample size. As it was, the Phillies made a significant financial gamble in that performance by handing him a $10 million contract. Giving Knebel the closer job would be even more of a gamble.

This is something that the Phillies should be able to recognize. Going into the season with a question mark at closer has not worked over the past few years. There is no reason to think that it will work this year, aside from the fact that Neris is not penciled in as the primary option.

Corey Knebel parlayed a strong showing in 2021 into a $10 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, but they still need to find a closer.