The Philadelphia Phillies announced this morning that they have designated their infielder for an important assignment. This move was expected, as team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had previously indicated that Kennedy, who is out of minor league options, would not make the club’s Opening Day roster. The decision does not change the Phillies’ efforts to trade him, as Dombrowski had already been exploring potential deals. The team now has five days to find a trade partner; if no agreement is reached, Kennedy will be placed on outright waivers, allowing the other 29 teams an opportunity to claim him.
Kennedy’s Major League and Minor League Track Record
Buddy Kennedy, 26, has appeared in 54 major league games across the past three seasons, suiting up for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Phillies. In his limited big-league opportunities, he has struggled to find consistency at the plate, producing a .203/.295/.313 batting line over 149 plate appearances. Despite those challenges at the MLB level, Kennedy has excelled in Triple-A, where he has compiled an impressive .281/.392/.435 slash line over parts of three seasons. His ability to control the strike zone stands out, as evidenced by his 14.4% walk rate and an 18.2% strikeout rate—both significantly better than league averages.
Kennedy’s offensive production in the minors has been consistent, particularly over the past two seasons, where he has shown an ability to hit for both contact and power. While his power numbers aren’t elite, his on-base skills and plate discipline have kept him in consideration for a major league role. His defensive versatility further adds to his value, making him an appealing depth option for teams in need of infield reinforcements.
A Versatile and Respected Clubhouse Presence
A fifth-round pick out of Millville High School—the same school that produced superstar Mike Trout—Kennedy has developed into a well-regarded, adaptable player. He has extensive experience across the infield and has even seen limited action in left field. Most of his defensive innings have come at third base (3,470 innings) and second base (1,285 innings), but he has also logged time at first base (110 innings), left field (93 innings), and even shortstop (10 innings). His ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable depth piece, though he has yet to establish himself as an everyday MLB player.
Kennedy has also demonstrated the ability to hit well against both left-handed and right-handed pitching, showing no significant platoon splits in 2024. Over the past two seasons, he has steadily improved his offensive consistency, particularly in Triple-A, where his balanced approach at the plate has allowed him to thrive.
What’s Next for Kennedy?
While Kennedy’s immediate future is uncertain, he remains a candidate for a trade given his minor league success and positional flexibility. Several teams looking for infield depth could view him as a worthwhile acquisition, particularly if they believe his Triple-A production can translate to the majors. If no trade materializes and he clears waivers, the Phillies could attempt to keep him in their minor league system. However, given his skill set and relative youth, there is a strong chance another team will take a flier on him.
For now, Kennedy awaits his next opportunity, whether through a trade, a waiver claim, or a potential return to Triple-A. Regardless of where he lands, his combination of on-base ability, defensive versatility, and minor league success makes him an intriguing name to watch as teams finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.
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