Rumors are flying, it’s truly the best time of year. In the most recent issue of the “Phillies Rumor Mill”, there are multiple reports confirming that the Phillies have serious interest in relief pitcher Corey Knebel. Also, a new update on outfielder Kyle Schwarber as well. 

Corey Knebel has been in the league for 7 years, with his most recent season coming in 2021, throwing 27 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Knebel tallied a 2.45 ERA in 25.2 innings pitched, with just two home runs allowed, 16 hits, 30 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.97. 

The thing with Knebel is his injury history. Knebel missed 92 games in 2021 with a lat injury, so there is a little bit of concern regarding his consistent health. No price hasn’t really been talked about yet, and we don’t really know the reliever market right now. But with the nasty stuff that Knebel has, he’s worth taking a chance on, especially with the stats he’s produced in the games he’s pitched. 

Jim Salisbury then later quoted Rosenthal’s tweet, confirming the Phillies’ interest in Knebel. He also gave us a new update on Kyle Schwarber, saying that the “team remains in pursuit of Kyle Schwarber”. Schwarber would be a very big signing for the Phillies, bringing a big bat to hit potentially between Hoskins and JT, or anywhere he is needed in the lineup. Although the DH is currently not in the national league, there is heavy speculation that it could be making its way all the way through the league for the 2022 season. Schwarber would be a good left fielder for the team, but could also fill that role as well at times if needed. 

Schwarber started off his season with the Nationals but was dealt at the trade deadline to the Boston Red Sox. In 41 games with the Red Sox, Schwarber slashed a line of .291/.435/.522, good for an OPS of .957. Schwarber also contributed 39 hits, 7 HRs, and 18 RBIs, giving him a total of 32 HRs and 71 RBIs throughout the season. There has been a lot of talks about Schwarber to the Phillies in the last few weeks, with Jon Heyman predicting him to land with the Phillies in his podcast, and Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long having an interesting reaction to Schwarber’s name on MLB Network. 

There’s a ton of big names still out there, and hopefully, this will soon be the first of many moves over the next few days before the set lockout on Thursday, December 1st. The Phillies need relief pitching, and Knebel will be able to fit a late-inning role great if he can stay healthy. As for Schwarber, just freakin do it man. 

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