The Blacks have announced that they have chosen the midfielder’s contract Father Kennedy. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle noted that Kennedy was in the classroom before the announcement. They also announced their choice of right-hander Wilkin Ramosa previously reported move. In parallel active list paths, the handler Jesus Rodríguez optioned to Triple-A Sacramento and a right-hander Joel Peguero was placed on the 60-day disabled list with left hamstring strain. The Peguero move also opened up one 40-man spot. One was opened and held Logan Porter designated for assignment.
Kennedy, 27, signed a minor league deal with the Giants at the start of the season. Since then, he has been putting up big numbers for Triple-A Sacramento. He has similar walk and strikeout rates of 12.4%, which are both huge numbers. He also has eight home runs. Even in the hitter-friendly context of the Pacific Coast League, his .321/.424/.543 line translates to a 153 wRC+, which is 53% better than the league average. He got help from a .342 batting average on balls in play but could have a good season even with some neutral luck.
The Giants will be the latest team to try to capitalize on Kennedy’s big league breakout. He has often put up good numbers on the farm, which has led to him getting many missed opportunities in the big leagues. He made 181 plate appearances over the past four campaigns, spending time with the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Phillies, Blue Jays and Dodgers. He posted a terrible .178/.271/.274 line with those clubs.
Despite that poor performance, it’s understandable why he continues to get opportunities. First, his MLB record thus far consists of a very small sample size. In the minors, as of early 2024, he has a .285 / .386 / .458 line and a 126 wRC+. He also offers defensive versatility, with experience working in all four infield positions and left field. He shouldn’t be considered a true shortstop option since he only has ten minor league innings and is out since 2024, but the ability to jump into other spots is important.
If he can put together that versatile defense and a potent big-league offense, he could be an intriguing piece, but he has yet to establish himself as such. He has exercised his options, pushed him off the list. He was supposed to face a minor league contract but got another shot at the big leagues with the Giants.
The Giants have used a three-catcher system for a long time, and Rodríguez was promoted in early May. At that time, he was sharing the show with her Patrick Bailey again Eric Haase. The Giants then traded Bailey to Guardian and selected Porter from the draft. Porter was selected not too long ago, just before the Giants were reinstated Daniel Susac on the injured list. Rodríguez hasn’t played much in that setup lately, with one plate appearance since May 26. Instead of riding the pine in the big leagues, he’ll get regular reps in the minors while Kennedy gives the big league club more outfield depth.
More to come.
