Brewers Add Reiss Knehr on Minor League Deal to Bolster Depth

The Milwaukee Brewers added right-handed pitcher Reiss Knehr to their minor league system on a deal that sends the former Padres prospect to the Arizona Complex League squad. Knehr has been assigned to the ACL Brewers and is expected to serve as emergency starting pitching or long-relief depth as he rebounds from a season lost to injury.

Knehr signed with the Brewers after electing free agency at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The 20th-round pick by the Padres in 2018 has limited major league experience but has shown flashes of potential in the minors. Over three MLB seasons with San Diego from 2021 to 2023, Knehr made 21 appearances and tossed 48 1/3 innings. He recorded a 5.96 ERA, with batters striking out at a 15.5% rate and walking at 13.2%, both below MLB averages for a pitcher.

Despite his struggles at the major league level, Knehr showed promise in Triple-A. During a brief return on a minor league deal with the Padres in 2024, he increased his fastball velocity by 1.2 mph and improved his cutter and sinker by 1.4 mph and 2.0 mph respectively. In 16.2 innings, he struck out 36.9% of batters faced, a career high.

Knehr's 2024 season was cut short again as he spent the latter half of the year on the minor league injured list. He did not appear after May 21. His 2023 campaign was also lost due to Tommy John surgery, which wiped out an entire season of development.

The Brewers signed Knehr as a low-risk, high-reward option. If he makes the major league roster, he is out of options but can be retained for five years if he makes an impact. The move gives Milwaukee a potential depth piece who could fill a spot starter or opener role if needed.

Knehr is represented by ACES. His SIERA of 5.75 suggests his major league results were not due to luck but rather a lack of effectiveness. The Brewers now have the opportunity to develop him in a system that has a strong track record with pitching prospects.

Knehr is expected to begin his 2026 season with the ACL Brewers and will look to continue his comeback. The Brewers will monitor his progress as they build depth for the season ahead.