As the 2024 season approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers have their eyes on several promising prospects, including Landon Knack, who could potentially make his long-awaited debut this year. The 26-year-old right-hander, drafted by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, is coming off a stellar season that showcased his immense talent and potential.
In 2023, Knack delivered an impressive performance, solidifying his status as a pitcher to watch. Splitting his time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, he recorded a remarkable 5-1 record with a 2.51 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 100.1 innings pitched over 22 starts. These numbers highlight his exceptional command and ability to dominate on the mound.
Knack’s recent bullpen session at Dodger Stadium, which he shared on Instagram, further demonstrated his dedication and determination to succeed at the highest level. As the ninth-ranked prospect in the Dodgers’ organization, according to MLB Pipeline, Knack is highly regarded for his precision and control, making him a valuable asset as a middle- to back-of-the-rotation starter in the big leagues.
While Knack is expected to provide depth for the team this season, potentially serving as an innings-eater, he may also be a valuable trade piece for the Dodgers. However, it is likely that he will spend the majority of his time honing his skills in Triple-A.
During the offseason, the Dodgers secured Knack’s future by adding him to their 40-man roster, along with fellow prospects Nick Frasso and Hunter Feduccia. This move ensured that they would be protected from being selected by other organizations in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft.
Looking back at Knack’s performance in the 2023 season, he began his campaign with the Drillers, where he displayed his talent with a 3-1 record, a 2.93 ERA, and a 1.44 WHIP in 43 innings pitched across 10 starts. Following a mid-season promotion to Oklahoma City, Knack continued to impress, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.20 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and an impressive 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 12 starts.
As the 2024 season unfolds, Knack is expected to begin with Oklahoma City, but if he maintains his strong form, it won’t be long before he receives a call-up to the major leagues for his highly anticipated debut. Dodgers fans eagerly anticipate the rise of this talented young pitcher and the impact he can make at the highest level of the game.