Royals, Kennedy agree to 5-year deal

According to Jon Heyman, the Royals are engaged with free-agent starter, Ian Kennedy. He has a 4.28 ERA in 2015 while going 9-of-15 (saying more about the Padres than him) while posting a 1.295 WHIP and striking out 9.3 batters per innings. A fly ball pitcher, Kennedy has posted one season with a GB/FB ratio better than 1, but had a 3.63 ERA and 3.21 FIP in that season (2014).

The deal is reported to be for $70 million. With over 40 starting pitchers on the open market, Kennedy was at the bottom of the pile due to his subpar 2015 season, as well as being tied to a qualifying offer.

The Royals will need Kennedy more than ever after losing Johnny Cueto in free agency.

Since Kennedy rejected the QO a couple months ago and he has now signed with another team, the Padres get a compensatory draft pick.

The Royals hope Kennedy can return to form under pitching coach Dave Eiland, who has worked wonders with Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura and others over the years.

Throw in an $8 million option on All-Star closer Wade Davis and a $5.25 million option on All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar, along with significant raises for their arbitration-eligible players, and the Kansas City payroll could reach a franchise-record $140 million next season.

“We’re going to continue to work our roster, massage it in ways that are going to help us win”, Royals general manager Dayton Moore said recently.

Major League Baseball experts have predicted Kennedy to land a deal between $40-$50 million over four years, which could certainly fit the Royals’ budget if its structured properly.

The Padres won’t meet the Royals during the regular season in 2016, but will play Spring Training games against them on March 3rd and March 24th.