Buddy Kennedy
Buddy Kennedy, a native of Millville, New Jersey, made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks during the 2022 season. Before his start in the majors, he spent several years in Arizona's minor league system beginning in 2017.
The former fifth-round selection by the Diamondbacks in the 2017 MLB Draft began the 2021 season in High-A with the Hillsboro Hops, one of Arizona's minor league clubs. Kennedy received a promotion to the Amarillo Sod Poodles in Double-A the same year.
Woah there, Buddy!! pic.twitter.com/VOUfuj6t6q
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 22, 2025
He spent the 2022 season with the Reno Aces in Triple-A. Kennedy debuted with the Diamondbacks in the same year. The infielder posted 23 strikeouts and 12 RBI in 30 games. He started with Reno the next season before returning to Arizona. His appearance in the majors was short-lived, and the organization designated him for assignment.
The Tigers claimed him off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals in Feb. 2024. The Phillies acquired him from Detroit for cash on June 7 and assigned him to Triple-A. He debuted with Philly at the start of September.
Kennedy is still competing for an Opening Day bench spot and has seen playing time at multiple infield positions. He provides more value defensively as he is taking reps in left field for Philly during spring training. The utility player also bats right-handed. The Phillies have sought more right-handed hitters during the last few seasons. The Phillies have a thin outfield, and utility infielder Edmundo Sosa may see time playing in left or center field this season.
Kennedy could be used in the infield or outfield as well. He may make the team due to his defensive versatility. The 26-year-old may remain with the team initially if Philadelphia suffers multiple injuries to their starting positional players.
However, his spot could be in jeopardy once outfielder Weston Wilson returns from his oblique injury in mid-April. Wilson had better statistics than Kennedy with the Phillies last year, finishing with a .284/.347/.489 slash line and a .836 OPS in 41 games. While Wilson has a minor league option, Philly may prefer to keep him as a bench player due to being more productive as a reserve. The presence of Christian Arroyo and Kody Clemens, who each have had good springs, further clouds the possibility of Kennedy lasting long on the Phillies.
The Phillies risk losing Kennedy if they choose to option him back to the minors because he is out of minor league options. However, he has struggled offensively in the majors, with a career OPS of .608 and a line of .203/.295/.313 in 54 career contests. He may make the Opening Day roster but not last through May if Philadelphia's position players remain healthy.