Ian Kennedy is heading back to where his career first blossomed. According to reports, Kennedy is in agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year deal, worth $4.75 million. The deal will also include $2.35M in incentives. 

Kennedy came over to Philadelphia last season just prior to the trade deadline along with Kyle Gibson and Hans Crouse, in the Spencer Howard trade. 

Ian Kennedy pitched 23 games for the Phillies last season, totaling 24 innings pitched. He finished 19 games while collecting 10 saves as well. Kennedy threw a 4.13 ERA and finished with a 3-1 record for the team, striking out 27 batters. 

Kennedy was about as average as you could get. He brought a ton of energy out of the bullpen but let up some pretty crucial home runs down the stretch.

Ian Kennedy is a 15-year veteran in the league and will be heading to his 6th team. The vet started off his career originally with the Yankees but really started to enhance his game once he got out west to Arizona. Kennedy’s 4th place Cy-Young finish, along with his 14th place finish in MVP voting came with Arizona in 2011. 

While the Phillies lost Hector Neris, Archie Bradley, and Ian Kennedy to free agency, the team has now gained Corey Knebel, Jeurys Familia, and Brad Hand.

Honestly, I wouldn’t hate if the Phillies re-signed Archie Bradley as well, who remains a free agent bullpen option. Any new players are upgrades at this point, with a bullpen that blew 34 saves last season. 

The Phillies have approximately $33 million left to spend without going over the luxury tax. 

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross