Mike Salas
Knack could play a big role in how far the Dodgers go in the playoffs.
Landon Knack is a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who has racked up frequent flyer miles between Oklahoma and Los Angeles during the 2024 season. Called up six times since March, Knack has established himself as a reliable asset for the Dodgers, showcasing his ability to win games in the Major Leagues.
Drafted by the Dodgers in the 20th round out of East Tennessee State University, Knack has progressed through the minor league system, playing for Single-A Great Lake, Double-A Tulsa, and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
In 2023, Knack divided his season between Double-A Tulsa, where he went 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA, 61 strikeouts, 12 walks, and a 0.94 WHIP in 12 games, and Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he posted a 3-1 record with a 2.93 ERA in 10 games. Notably, Knack struck out a career-high 11 batters on April 29, 2023, with Tulsa and was named Dodgers Pitching Prospect of the Year. He was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster after the 2023 season.
Knack’s strength lies in his above-average control, inducing ground balls by keeping hitters off balance. His delivery, though featuring some effort, allows him to pitch deep into games.
He has above-average control and stays off of barrels to induce ground balls. Knack has some effort in his delivery and will occasionally spin out of it, but he pitches efficiently to last deep into games.
Knack’s pitch repertoire includes:
- Four-seam fastball (60-grade): 93-95 mph, peaking at 96, with excellent command across all four quadrants, generating weak ground balls.
- Curveball (40-grade): 81-84 mph, peaking at 84, with consistent shape and improving bite.
- Changeup (60-grade): 81-83 mph, peaking at 83, complementing the fastball with strong velocity separation and fade that induces swing-and-miss.
- Slider (50-grade): 85-86 mph, peaking at 86, used effectively for swing-and-miss opportunities.
Knack continues to refine his craft, showing potential to be a reliable contributor for the Dodgers.
With Landon Knack being named the number four starter in the NLDS, he is exactly where he needs to be. Scouting reports has him as a back-end starter and so far in the 2024 regular season, Knack has proven he has what it takes to help this team move deep into October.
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