Mariners Acquire INF Buddy Kennedy from Giants Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Seattle Mariners have kicked off what promises to be an exciting Trade Deadline season by acquiring infielder Buddy Kennedy from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations. This move comes shortly after the Giants designated Kennedy for assignment to make room for outfielder Heliot Ramos, who has returned from the Injured List.

Standing at 5’10”, Kennedy has spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Sacramento, where he has shown impressive performance, particularly in the Pacific Coast League. His metrics are noteworthy, placing him in the 78th percentile for expected weighted on-base average (xWOBA). With comparable strikeout and walk rates of 12.6% and 12.1% respectively, he showcases excellent plate discipline, rarely whiffing at pitches. This has translated to a .322 batting average and a remarkable 152 wRC+ during his time in the minors.

Although Kennedy has had limited opportunities in the majors this season, appearing in just seven games with a total of eight plate appearances and no hits, the Mariners are looking to utilize his versatility. He is expected to head to Tacoma, where he can play both third base and second base, potentially filling in for Patrick Wisdom if Wisdom is called up to provide right-handed pinch hitting options, replacing the currently utilized Rob Refsnyder.

At 27 years old, Kennedy has struggled to find consistency since making his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022. Throughout his career, he has accumulated fewer than 200 plate appearances over 74 games, resulting in a career wRC+ of only 50. Additionally, Kennedy has had a brief stint on the mound this season, where he made one appearance, pitching an inning in which he allowed four earned runs.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.