Brewers Sign Reiss Knehr to Minor League Deal

Former Padres prospect looks to revive career in Milwaukee's pitching development system

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conveying the idea of potential and transformation in the minor leagues.The Brewers' signing of Reiss Knehr represents a strategic investment in pitching development, with the potential to uncover a hidden gem in the minor leagues.Today in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Reiss Knehr to a minor league contract, providing the former 20th-round draft pick by the San Diego Padres a chance to revive his career in the Brewers' renowned pitching development program. Knehr, who has struggled with a 5.96 ERA and 5.75 SIERA over three MLB seasons, is looking to build on recent velocity improvements after returning from Tommy John surgery.

Why it matters

The Brewers have a strong track record of transforming overlooked pitching prospects into effective major league contributors, making this a low-risk, high-upside move as they aim to bolster their pitching depth and uncover hidden gems in the minor leagues.

The details

Knehr, 26, was a 20th-round draft pick by the Padres in 2018 and has spent the majority of his professional career in the minors. After missing the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to Tommy John surgery, he returned in 2025 with increased velocity on his fastball, cutter, and sinker. While his MLB numbers have been underwhelming, the Brewers are hoping their pitching development expertise can help Knehr unlock his full potential.

  • Knehr missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to Tommy John surgery.
  • He returned to action in 2025 with improved velocity on his pitches.

The players

Reiss Knehr

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who was a 20th-round draft pick by the San Diego Padres in 2018. He has struggled with a 5.96 ERA and 5.75 SIERA over three MLB seasons but is looking to revive his career with the Brewers.

Milwaukee Brewers

A Major League Baseball team known for their expertise in pitching development, providing opportunities for overlooked prospects to thrive in their system.

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What they’re saying

“We believe Reiss has the potential to be a valuable addition to our pitching depth, and our development staff is excited to work with him and help him reach his full potential.”

— David Stearns, Brewers President of Baseball Operations

What’s next

Knehr will report to the Brewers' minor league camp and look to impress the organization's pitching development staff, with the goal of earning a spot on the major league roster or contributing at the upper levels of the minors.

The takeaway

The Brewers' signing of Reiss Knehr to a minor league deal is a low-risk, high-upside move that showcases the organization's commitment to pitching development. If Knehr can build on his recent velocity improvements and tap into his potential under the Brewers' guidance, he could emerge as a valuable asset for the team in the future.