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3 potential destinations for Oakland A’s closer Lou Trivino

By David Hill

Sep 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Lou Trivino (62) gestures behind the mound during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Lou Trivino (62) gestures behind the mound during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have been attempting to patch their bullpen together for years. It is time for another plan.

As it currently stands, the Phillies are set to enter the 2022 season with Corey Knebel as their closer. He had been an All Star once before – back in 2017. However, he struggled in 2018, missed 2019 due to Tommy John surgery, and was awful in 2020 before landing with the Dodgers for the 2021 campaign.

Knebel looked like his former self last year as he posted a 2.45 ERA and a 0.974 WHiP. The issue is that those numbers came in just 25.2 innings, hardly enough to claim that he is back to form. Nonetheless, the Phillies handed him a one year deal worth $10 million to make him their closer.

Even though he received that type of contract, Knebel is hardly a given. It would make sense for the Phillies to add a backup plan for the ninth inning, or a solid option as a setup man. As Oakland A’s closer Lou Trivino would fit both categories, be cost-efficient, and more than just a rental option, he would make a great deal of sense in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Phillies have had issues finding viable relievers for years. Adding Lou Trivino to the bullpen would be a step in the right direction.