Milwaukee Brewers Sign UDFA Pitcher Brandon Knarr

As MLB teams continue to make undrafted free agent signings, the Milwaukee Brewers recently added LHP Brandon Knarr from the University of Tampa.

For several days now, MLB teams have been able to sign undrafted free agents and the Milwaukee Brewers have been busy making three quick additions in infielder Drew Smith along with pitchers T.J. Shook and Jason Munsch.

Now, something to keep in mind with this unusual 2020 season is that UDFA’s can only be signed for a maximum amount of $20,000. This is a far cry from the usual $125,000 that players have potentially earned in the past.

So as you’d expect, this can make things much more difficult for big-league teams as many players choose to head back to college in hopes of the 2021 draft and signing period being more normal.

However, even with those financial limitations, the Brewers were able to add another pitcher to the mix after loading up on college bats during the draft. It was recently reported, that Milwaukee has landed left-handed pitcher Brandon Knarr from the University of Tampa.

Knarr had an interesting college career as he played at three different schools in as many years. As a freshman, he attended Notre Dame where he pitched in 5.2 innings over 12 appearances and struck out four batters.

Then as a sophomore with the College of Central Florida, Knarr made 16 appearances, including 13 starts, and struck out 86 batters over his 65.2 innings pitched. He would finish with a 4.66 ERA but averaged 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

Most recently he was at the University of Tampa who has set the standard for DII baseball programs having won five National Championships since 2006, including one in 2019. There Knarr would post a 2.55 ERA, allow only 10 earned runs, nine walks, and struck out a whopping 64 batters in only 35.1 innings pitched. That’s an average of 16.30 strikeouts per nine innings.

For a closer look at Knarr’s game, here is what they had to say about him over at Prospects Live:

"“Stocky 5’10”/215 build with thickness in legs. Poised competitor who comes right at you. Sat 89-91, reaching back for 92. Showed a plus curve which is a sharp 12-6 downer settling in the high 70’s. Commanded his breaker better than heater, using it to put batters away. Delivery is repeatable but high-effort. Some head waggle. Is physically maxed out with his body, two-pitch mix, and delivery screaming reliever. Potential lefty bullpen piece.”"

There’s a lot to like about what Knarr brings to the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization, especially with his ability to strike out batters. And, of course, bringing in a National Champion is never a bad thing either.

As teams continue to make these UDFA additions, be sure to check back in with Dairyland Express as we continue to track any new signings that the Brewers make.