RADIO
Ian Kennedy 2020 Outlook: Discounted Saves Are The Best Kind Of Saves
5 years agoIan Kennedy was a career starting pitcher until he moved to the bullpen in 2019. The change occurred due to a rough 2018 where he had a 4.66 ERA and a 4.64 xFIP while also having a lower than normal 20.3% strikeout rate. Kennedy was not just moved to the bullpen, but more importantly, he moved into the closer’s role. As the Royals closer, Kennedy made a change to his pitch mix. He increased his four-seam usage from 58.8% to 67.8% and his cutter usage from 11.6% to 15.2% while nearly ditching his changeup from 10.2% to 1.7%. The fastball and cutter velocities also increased. All these changes led to an outstanding 27.4% K rate, 30 saves (only four blown saves) and a nice 3.41 ERA. Kennedy enters the 2020 season as the closer for the Royals, which is great but there is still a slight concern. The Royals will likely try and shop him at the trade deadline as 2020 is the last year on Kennedy’s contract in which he will be making $16.5 million. If Kennedy were to lock-in as the closer for the entire season, then Kennedy at ADP 181 and the 20th reliever off the board is a steal. For now, there needs to be some concern, but I will gladly enjoy Kennedy and his upside at his draft price.
