Ex-All-Star Fireballer Available; Cardinals Could Make Move To Take Bullpen To Next Level

Should the Cardinals look into signing the fireballer?

The St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen has been solid so far this season, but the club still could use another arm in the bullpen. 

St. Louis' bullpen currently ranks 11th in all of baseball with a 3.73 ERA through 42 games. Closer Ryan Helsley and right-handed hurlers Chris Stratton and Giovanny Gallegos have led the way so far this season for St. Louis and all have compiled ERAs under 3.00 so far this season.

Although St. Louis' bullpen has been impressive at times, adding another fireballer to the mix could help take it to the next level. One hurler who currently is available and could fit this description is former All-Star Corey Knebel. 

The 31-year-old spent the 2022 season with the Philadelphia Phillies and compiled a 3.43 ERA in 46 appearances. Knebel is an eight-year veteran and has compiled a 3.26 ERA across 312 games with the Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Detroit Tigers. Knebel's earned his lone All-Star bid in 2017 as a member of the Brewers when he made 76 appearances and compiled a 1.78 ERA to go along with 126 strikeouts in 76 innings pitched.

Knebel's advanced metrics were impressive in 2022, so it isn't crazy to assume that he could help a club this season, especially at just 31 years old. The righty finished in the 80th percentile in fastball velocity, 82nd percentile in fastball spin rate, and 89th percentile in curveball spin rate last season with the Phillies.

The 31-year-old currently is a free agent so any interested team could sign him. At this point in the season, a cheap big-league contract or minor-league contract makes the most sense for him despite his pedigree. St. Louis' bullpen already has been solid, but Knebel could be someone who could help take it to the next level. 

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