Kansas City Royals Trade News and Rumors: Ian Kennedy Finds Himself a Long-Term Contract
Free agent and veteran pitcher Ian Kennedy finally found himself a new contract with the Kansas City Royals, in a deal that has been disclosed as worth $70 million for five years, with an opt-out clause in the first two years.
The American right-hander had a 4.28 ERA last season and was 9-15, playing for the San Diego Padres. He was rather efficient last season though when it comes to strikeouts, where he did it to 174 batters in just 168 innings.
Before his stint in San Diego, the nine-year veteran also played with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. He played college baseball with the USC Trojans. After entering the league in 2007, he has started in more than 30 games for six straight years.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The kind of money the Royals are spending on him is just enough based on what he is expected to contribute for the team. He was once a highly touted prospect out of USC, but he couldn't live up to the hype. The good news though is that Kansas City is more than willing to give him a try.
In 2014 and while playing for the Padres, he finished 13-13, in the process making 3.63 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and more than 200 strikeouts. Playing for the Yankees in his first season, he actually didn't have enough exposure and playing time to make himself get noticed by other potential teams. However, he does not seem to be completely disappointed about it. For the Royals, he'll be a reliable third or fourth option.
In this case, he is expected to join the rotation filled by Yordano Ventura and Edinson Volquez, which then suggests that the team will have a better and deeper roster. Kennedy's signing is also an indication on how well they're moving on after Johnny Cueto left for free agency.
