Landon Knack – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Landon Knack has quickly made his presence felt in Major League Baseball since debuting with the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 17, 2024. Born July 15, 1997, in Johnson City, Tennessee, the right-handed pitcher took a unique path from East Tennessee State University to the big leagues after the Dodgers grabbed him in the second round (60th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft. Knack’s current contract with the Dodgers is valued at about $800,000 for the 2025 season, and his estimated net worth sits around $715,000.

Knack’s financial situation mirrors what you’d expect for a pre-arbitration MLB player. With less than three years of service time (he’s at 0.079 years as of January 2025), Knack remains under team control with the Dodgers at a modest salary, especially compared to the game’s established stars. Baseball analysts have kept a close eye on his progress, and plenty of them see huge upside in his pitching arsenal.

His journey from Johnson City to Dodger Stadium reads like a classic baseball success story. Sure, his earnings look solid to most fans, but in the world of MLB, he’s still on the lower end as he works to cement his spot at the highest level. If he keeps trending upward after 2025, both his contract value and net worth should see a big boost.

Early Life and Background

Landon Dakota Knack was born July 15, 1997, in Johnson City, Tennessee. His early years set him on the path toward becoming a professional baseball pitcher for the Dodgers.

Family and Upbringing

Knack grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, and found his love for baseball pretty early on. His family and the local community supported his athletic pursuits and competitive drive. Johnson City, tucked away in eastern Tennessee, provided the backdrop for those formative years.

His family played a big part in encouraging his baseball dreams, even though he kept his personal life pretty private before turning pro. The values he picked up in Tennessee shaped his work ethic and dedication to the game.

The eastern Tennessee baseball scene gave Knack plenty of chances to develop, from youth leagues to school competitions. He really honed his pitching there.

Education and Engineering Interests

Knack went to East Tennessee State University, managing to juggle academics and baseball. Before he went all-in on baseball, he showed a real interest in engineering—he’s got an analytical mind, and that definitely shows up in how he approaches pitching.

His college years were pivotal. At ETSU, Knack sharpened his technique and built the foundation for his pro career. His collegiate performance caught the attention of MLB scouts and set the stage for his draft day.

In 2020, the Dodgers picked him up in the second round, 60th overall. That moment marked his jump from college to pro ball, but his engineering background still influences how he attacks hitters.

Amateur Career

Knack’s road to professional baseball is built on years of steady development and standout performances. He grew from a local high school standout into a collegiate All-American.

High School Baseball Achievements

At Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Knack became a legit two-way threat, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter. He earned All-Conference honors in his junior and senior years, keeping his batting average north of .350.

On the mound, he posted a sub-2.00 ERA in his final high school season. As team captain, Knack led Science Hill to regional tournament success and showed natural leadership.

Despite his numbers, big Division I programs didn’t chase after him, which only fueled his determination to prove himself in college.

College Career and Honors

He started at Walters State Community College for two seasons before transferring to East Tennessee State. That’s where Knack really came into his own as a pitcher.

His senior year in 2020 was wild—though it got cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. In just four starts, Knack went 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA. The eye-popping stat? He struck out 51 and walked only one in 25 innings.

Those numbers earned him All-American recognition, and coaches often praised his loyalty and relentless work ethic.

Development as an All-American

Knack didn’t become an All-American overnight. He kept working, adding velocity and refining his stuff during college. By the end, his fastball touched 98 mph.

His arsenal looked like this:

• Four-seam fastball (93-97 mph)
• Slider (mid-80s)
• Curveball
• Developing changeup

Scouts called him the best fifth-year senior prospect they’d seen in a while. He combined physical tools with sharp command and a high baseball IQ.

His performance and leadership led the Dodgers to take him in the second round in 2020, and he set a bonus record for fifth-year seniors at $712,500.

Professional Baseball Career

Landon Knack’s rise through the Dodgers’ system has been fast, thanks to his command and strikeout ability as a starter.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Dodgers chose Knack in the second round (60th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft. He’d just finished an impressive, though brief, senior season at East Tennessee State.

Knack signed with the Dodgers for $712,500, a bit below the slot value of $1,157,400. Because the pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor league season, he had to wait until 2021 to make his pro debut.

He was 23 when drafted, a bit older than most, but the Dodgers liked his advanced pitching skills and control. His college experience gave him a solid base to build on.

Minor League Progression

Knack got rolling in the minors in 2021 and quickly stood out as one of the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects. He moved up through the system, showing off his four-pitch mix and excellent command.

During 2022 and 2023, Knack split time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. In Triple-A, he kept his ERA low and racked up strikeouts.

He made a name for himself by limiting walks and generating plenty of swings and misses. The Dodgers’ player development staff worked closely with him to refine his pitch mix and build up his durability.

By early 2024, Knack had put himself in position for a big league call-up when the Dodgers needed pitching help.

MLB Debut With the Dodgers

Knack made his MLB debut on April 17, 2024, for the Dodgers. The team needed arms due to injuries, and Knack got his shot.

In that first outing, he showcased the same command and composure that made him a standout in the minors. Manager Dave Roberts quickly trusted him in the rotation.

Knack signed a one-year deal worth $760,000 with the Dodgers, which is pretty standard for rookies. His net worth sits at about $715,000, and that number should climb as he spends more time in the majors.

His early games with the Dodgers showed why the organization valued him so highly—he fit right in and looked like he belonged.

Contract Details

Landon Knack’s pro career with the Dodgers started with a solid signing bonus and has moved on to his current contract. His financial deal reflects his potential and value to the team right now.

Initial Signing Bonus

When the Dodgers took Knack in the second round (60th overall) of the 2020 draft, he picked up a signing bonus of $712,500, which was below the slot value for that pick.

That bonus marked his jump into pro baseball after college. Coming out of school at 22, Knack was seen as a guy who could move quickly through the minors.

Current Contract Terms

In 2025, Knack is playing under a one-year contract with the Dodgers worth $760,000. That’s the standard pre-arbitration salary for a young player still making his case in the majors.

The contract is fully guaranteed, so Knack has some financial security as he continues to develop. His net worth is about $715,000, reflecting what he’s earned so far.

Since his debut in April 2024, Knack has been working to carve out a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation. If he keeps improving, he could see a much bigger deal once he hits arbitration.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Landon Knack has started to build a financial foundation since joining the Dodgers. Most of his earnings come from his MLB contract and signing bonus, though he’s still early in his career compared to established big leaguers.

Earnings From Professional Baseball

Knack’s net worth is estimated at $715,000, which lines up with his early career earnings. After the Dodgers drafted him in 2020, he worked his way through the minors.

His MLB debut in April 2024 marked a turning point. Signing a one-year contract for $760,000 bumped his financial profile up. That’s about what most rookies make under team control.

As a newcomer to the majors, Knack’s earnings are still modest, but if he keeps performing, his future income could jump quite a bit.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Not much is out there yet about Knack’s endorsements, but pitching for the Dodgers opens a lot of doors. Playing for such a high-profile team in a huge market like Los Angeles offers plenty of marketing potential.

So far, Knack is still building his personal brand. Most young players start with smaller, local endorsements—maybe a sporting goods store or a car dealership.

If he keeps pitching well and raising his profile, bigger endorsement deals could come his way. Los Angeles offers opportunities you just won’t find in smaller markets, and that could really help his off-the-field earnings down the line.

Pitching Style and Statistical Performance

Landon Knack has already shown he’s a promising arm for the Dodgers, mixing a diverse set of pitches with solid results. He combines velocity and command, making him tough on both righties and lefties.

Pitch Repertoire and Technique

Knack leans on a four-pitch mix to keep hitters guessing. He throws his four-seam fastball nearly half the time (48.5%), and it’s his go-to pitch. He backs that up with a sharp changeup—about 21% of his pitches—and then mixes in breaking balls when he wants to get hitters to chase.

What really sets Knack apart? He keeps his mechanics steady no matter what pitch he’s throwing. That consistency makes it tough for batters to pick up on what’s coming next, which is honestly a huge advantage.

He holds his arm angle and release point steady, and that keeps hitters off balance. Scouts have pointed out that he works the strike zone efficiently but still manages to rack up swings and misses.

Key MLB Statistics: FIP, Strikeout Rate, Walk Rate

Since his debut on April 17 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Knack has put up some pretty impressive numbers. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) shows he’s doing a great job controlling what he can—strikeouts, walks, and home runs.

His strikeout rate is above average for starting pitchers, which says a lot about his stuff and command. Even better, he hardly gives up free passes. That’s not something you see every day from a pitcher this early in his career.

If you break down his stats, you’ll see:

• He limits walks really well
• He racks up strikeouts at a strong rate
• His strikeout-to-walk ratio is solid
• He keeps balls in the yard

Notable Games and Playing Time

Since joining the Dodgers’ rotation, Knack has eaten up some important innings and keeps getting better. One of his best outings came when he used his whole arsenal to keep hitters off-balance all game.

The team has kept a close eye on his pitch counts and innings, which makes sense for a young arm. They want to protect him but also let him get his feet wet in the big leagues.

The Dodgers’ pitching staff has dealt with a lot of injuries, and that’s opened the door for Knack to show what he can do. He’s stepped up, showing more poise than you’d expect from someone with his experience.

He’s still considered a rookie, so there’s plenty of room to grow, but he’s already shown he’s got the tools to stick as a starter. His game logs show he brings the same approach every time out, no matter who he’s facing—a sign of real mental toughness.

Role in the Dodgers Pitching Staff

Landon Knack has quickly become a key part of the Dodgers’ pitching plans, fitting in with a loaded roster full of star arms. The way the Dodgers have developed and used him says a lot about how much they value homegrown pitching depth.

Rotation and Teammate Dynamics

Right now, Knack sits in the Dodgers’ pitching pecking order alongside big names like Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Whenever he’s called up, it’s usually a strategic move—sometimes to give the bullpen a boost, sometimes to make a spot start.

He’s shown he can handle different roles, which makes him a valuable piece. When the Dodgers brought him up in early 2025, his arrival actually bumped another reliever off the roster. That speaks volumes about the trust the organization has in him.

In the clubhouse, Knack has found mentors in veterans like Clayton Kershaw, who’s been generous with advice. He’s also blended in well with international stars Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto, which helps keep the staff unified.

Notable Teammates and Comparisons

People often compare Knack’s development to that of other young Dodgers pitchers like Gavin Stone and Bobby Miller. The three of them kind of represent the next wave as the team moves on from the Kershaw era.

He’s earning a salary of $760,000, which is modest compared to big-ticket signings like Blake Snell and Yamamoto, but Knack’s value is clear. Some folks see similarities between him and Tony Gonsolin, another homegrown Dodger who made an impact.

Here’s how the Dodgers’ rotation shapes up for 2025:

1. Aces: Yamamoto, Glasnow, Snell
2. Mid-rotation: Ohtani (when he pitches), Stone, Miller
3. Depth/Swingmen: Knack, Dustin May, Emmet Sheehan, Michael Grove

Knack’s willingness to learn from the veterans and compete with other young arms has really sped up his growth and locked in his future with the team.

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Off the field, Landon Knack keeps things grounded. He’s got deep family roots and stays connected to his community, which probably comes from growing up in Tennessee.

Family and Relationships

Born July 15, 1997, in Johnson City, Tennessee, Knack started playing baseball young. Even though he’s out in Los Angeles now, his Tennessee background still means a lot to him.

He doesn’t talk much about his relationships or personal life in interviews. It seems like he prefers to keep that part of his world private, which honestly feels pretty relatable.

When the season ends or the holidays roll around, he usually heads back to Tennessee to be with family. No matter how busy MLB life gets, he doesn’t forget where he came from.

Community Involvement and Values

Knack’s community work reflects the values he picked up at East Tennessee State and Walters State Community College. He joins in on Dodgers outreach events when his schedule allows.

He’s especially passionate about youth baseball. In the off-season, he sometimes runs pitching clinics for kids who are eager to improve.

Knack approaches community service quietly—he’s not out there chasing headlines. He just wants to give back and stick to his values: hard work, education, and supporting the places that helped him grow.

Major Career Highlights and Achievements

Landon Knack has made a quick impact as a valuable pitcher for the Dodgers since his 2024 debut. He’s already racked up some memorable achievements.

Career Milestones

Knack broke into the majors on April 17, 2024, after the Dodgers picked him in the second round (60th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft from East Tennessee State University. He climbed the ladder in the Dodgers’ farm system before making it to the show.

In his rookie season, coaches and analysts praised his command and calm presence. He kept his ERA in a respectable range and showed off a fastball that regularly touched the mid-90s.

He didn’t take long to adjust to big-league hitters, and by mid-2024, he’d snagged a regular spot in the Dodgers’ rotation.

Awards and Recognitions

Though he’s still early in his career, Knack has already been recognized for his pitching. He popped up in Rookie of the Year talks in 2024, even if he didn’t win.

Teammates and opponents have noticed his work ethic and how steady he stays under pressure. The Dodgers have handed him a few “Pitcher of the Week” honors, which is a nice tip of the cap for a rookie.

World Series and Team Success

The biggest moment so far? Helping the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series in his first year. That’s a heck of a way to start a career.

He came through in the playoffs, delivering when the team needed him. His calm in those high-pressure games really stood out.

The Dodgers made sure to feature him in their championship celebrations and media events. His performance helped cement the team’s reputation as one of the best in baseball.

Knack’s $760,000 contract reflects his rookie status, but after a championship run like that, his future earnings could jump pretty quickly.

Challenges and Comebacks

Landon Knack’s path hasn’t been all smooth sailing. He’s faced some tough breaks, but his determination keeps showing through.

Injuries and Surgery

Early in 2023, Knack ran into shoulder trouble during spring training. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal, but he ended up needing arthroscopic surgery to clean up his rotator cuff.

He spent almost four months on the shelf, missing out on valuable time. Still, he worked closely with the Dodgers’ rehab staff to rebuild his arm.

“The surgery was a setback, but it gave me time to refine my mechanics and develop a better understanding of my body,” Knack said after coming back.

By late 2023, he was not only back on the mound but throwing harder and with more control than before. That rehab clearly paid off.

Suspension and Other Setbacks

Besides injuries, Knack also dealt with a short suspension in the minors for a foreign substance violation in 2024. It was described as accidental, but it still cost him 10 games and interrupted his progress at a key time.

The timing stung, especially since he was close to a big-league call-up. The Dodgers stood by him, though, and recognized his usual professionalism.

He’s also had stretches where his command wavered, which set him back a bit. Those moments tested his mental game as much as his physical skills.

Exhibiting Courage and Leadership

Despite all this, Knack has become what teammates call a “human life preserver” for the Dodgers rotation. Whenever the team has needed someone to step up, especially with injuries piling up, he’s answered the call.

He’s shown real leadership by turning setbacks into learning moments. His steady, methodical approach has earned him respect throughout the clubhouse.

Veterans have noticed how he helps younger pitchers while still working on his own game. That balance between self-improvement and helping others is exactly what the Dodgers want in their leaders.

His big-game poise—like his scoreless start against the Marlins that got Shohei Ohtani’s attention—has only strengthened his reputation as someone who steps up when it matters.

Influence, Reputation, and Future Outlook

Landon Knack has already made a name for himself in the Dodgers organization. He brings a rare mix of polish and upside to the mound—honestly, it’s tough not to be a little excited about where he goes from here.

Impact on the Dodgers and MLB

Knack’s rise through the Dodgers’ system feels like a big win for the organization’s scouting department. He’s probably the best fifth-year-senior prospect in recent memory, and honestly, his age hasn’t slowed him down at all.

Knack moved quickly through the minors, which says a lot about how well the Dodgers develop their players. His story, from Johnson City, Tennessee and Walters State Junior College all the way to the majors, really stands out as a testament to that.

People around MLB have started to notice Knack, especially because of his command and his pitch mix. He’s given the Dodgers a real boost in pitching depth, which is always welcome for a team chasing titles.

Right now, teams all over the league are desperate for reliable pitching, so a guy who can give you solid innings like Knack is more valuable than ever.

Expectations for Future Seasons

Knack’s on a one-year, $760,000 contract at the moment, so he’s just getting started in the big leagues. Most projections say he’s got room to grow as he gets more experience.

The Dodgers’ front office probably sees him as a long-term piece—someone who could really settle in as a dependable part of the rotation. And with his contract, he’s a bargain if he keeps improving.

Durability is still a question mark. The coaching staff plans to keep an eye on his workload to help him develop without risking injury.

If he keeps sharpening his secondary pitches, Knack could end up as a solid mid-rotation starter. His command profile gives him a shot at the kind of consistency teams always want from their starters.

Research and Development in Pitching

Knack’s really benefited from the Dodgers’ high-tech approach to pitching. Their use of advanced tools for pitch design and biomechanics has helped him tighten up his arsenal.

With all the pitch tracking and analysis gear the team uses, Knack can actually make adjustments backed by data. This kind of modern development has definitely sped up his progress at the top level.

You can see the impact of these analytical methods in the way Knack sequences his pitches and attacks hitters. He’s clearly working off some pretty sophisticated game plans.

The Dodgers’ R&D folks keep working with him to tweak his pitch shapes and movement, making sure they fit his strengths. This collaboration between analytics and old-school coaching just feels like where baseball is headed now.

Related Players and Notable Trade Discussions

Landon Knack’s path has crossed with a handful of notable players and trade rumors that have shaped his time with the Dodgers. Those connections say a lot about how much the team values him.

Connections With Padres and Key Trades

The rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres sometimes drags Knack’s name into trade talks. In 2024, he popped up in rumors when the Dodgers looked for bullpen help.

Some insiders said the Padres liked Knack because of his team-friendly contract and the way he’s developed. Even so, the Dodgers’ front office didn’t want to send him to a division rival.

“We see Landon as part of our long-term pitching strategy,” a Dodgers executive reportedly said when asked about all the trade noise.

A few Padres prospects were tossed around as possible returns, but nothing ever came of it. The Dodgers holding onto Knack shows they’re counting on him to help their rotation in the years ahead.

Links to Roki Sasaki and Arthur

People keep comparing Knack to international pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, mostly because they both throw blistering fastballs and show off impressive command. Some baseball analysts even point out that both guys have an accounting background, which, honestly, is kind of wild—and maybe explains their almost nerdy attention to detail on the mound.

Knack, for instance, majored in accounting at Eastern Tennessee State University. Sasaki? He’s also known for preparing in a way that’s, well, borderline obsessive.

People in Dodgers’ development circles also talk about Knack alongside pitching prospect Arthur Cruzado. These right-handers look like big pieces for the organization’s pitching future.

Dodgers’ player development staff train both pitchers with similar regimens. They focus on keeping their mechanics consistent and sharpening their secondary pitches, all to back up those power fastballs.