Ian Kennedy, Pitcher, Texas Rangers


Date of Birth: 12/19/1984
Birthplace: Huntington Beach, California
College: University of Southern California
Nickname: IPK

Ian Kennedy, pitcher for the Texas Rangers, was a top pitcher in both high school and college. He was first drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003 but he didn't sign with them. Three years later, he was drafted by the New York Yankees. From 2006 through most of 2009, he pitched in the Yankees' minor league system. He played with the Yankees in 3 games in 2007, 10 games in 2008, and in 1 game in 2009.

In December, 2009, the Yankees traded Kennedy to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2010, his first full season in the major leagues, Kennedy pitched 194.0 innings in 32 games and finished the year with a 3.80 ERA and 9-10 win-loss record.

Kennedy's best season was in 2011, when he led the National League in wins. That year, he had career highs in games played (33), innings pitched (222.0), wins (21 to 4 losses), and strikeouts (198 to 55 walks). He had a 2.88 ERA.

In July, 2013, after 21 games and a 5.23 ERA, the Diamondbacks traded Kennedy to the San Diego Padres. He then pitched in 10 games with the Padres and finished with a combined 4.91 ERA. He finished the 2014 season with a 13-13 record, a career high 207 strikeouts to 70 walks, and a 3.63 ERA in 201.0 innings in 33 games.

Kennedy pitched in 30 games with the Padres in 2015. He finished the season with a 9-15 record, 174 strikeouts to 52 walks, and a 4.28 ERA in 168.1 innings.

Kennedy signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Kansas City Royals on January 29, 2016. He finished the 2016 season with a 3.68 ERA, 11 wins to 11 losses, and 184 strikeouts to 66 walks in 195.2 innings in 30 games.

In 2017, Kennedy had a 5.38 ERA in 30 games. He finished the season with 5 wins and 13 losses and 131 strikeouts to 61 walks in 154.0 innings.

Kennedy finished the 2018 season with a 4.66 ERA in 119.2 innings in 22 games. He had 3 wins and 9 losses and 105 strikeouts to 40 walks.

Kennedy was a relief pitcher only in 2019. He had 3 wins and 2 losses, 30 saves, 73 strikeouts to 17 walks, and a 3.41 ERA in 63.1 innings in 63 games.

Kennedy pitched in 15 games in 2020. He finished the season with no wins and 2 losses, 15 strikeouts to 5 walks, and a 9.00 ERA in 14.0 innings.

Kennedy became a free agent on October 28, 2020. He signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on February 23, 2021. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on July 30, 2021. He finished the season with 3 wins and 1 loss, 26 saves, and 62 strikeouts to 17 walks in 32 games with the Rangers and 23 games with the Phillies. He spent time on the IL in 2021 with a hamstring strain.

Kennedy elected free agency on November 3, 2021. He returned to the Diamondbacks on March 16, 2022.

Kennedy again became a free agent on November 9, 2022. He signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on January 27, 2023. After being sent down to the minors, he elected free agency on May 14th. He again signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on June 13th.

Career pitching statistics for Kennedy through 2021 include:

  • 424 games played
  • 1,837.2 innings pitched
  • 100-106 win-loss record
  • 56 saves
  • 1,710 strikeouts to 618 walks
  • 4.10 ERA

Personal Life

Kennedy and his wife Allison were married in October, 2007. They have three children.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Ian Kennedy
ESPN - Ian Kennedy