Buddy Kennedy, the infielder who was recently designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants, has found a new opportunity with the Washington Nationals. On August 27, the Giants made the decision to part ways with Kennedy, but just three days later, they outrighted him to Triple-A Sacramento. However, Kennedy opted to reject the outright assignment, choosing instead to enter free agency.
On Wednesday, Kennedy signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals, as reported by MLB.com. Following his signing, the Nationals assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings. This move marks a new chapter in Kennedy's career, as he looks to make an impact in a different organization after a challenging stint with the Giants.
During his time with San Francisco, Kennedy struggled to find his footing. After being signed to a minor-league deal at the start of the season, he was called up on June 1. Unfortunately, his performance did not meet expectations, leading to his designation for assignment on June 28. In his brief time with the Giants, Kennedy managed to hit just .154 with a .267 on-base percentage over 26 at-bats. Overall, his season totals reflect a tough year, with a slash line of .116/.224/.140, no home runs, and only one run batted in across 49 plate appearances.
Kennedy's journey through Major League Baseball has been marked by frequent team changes. Originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, he made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2022. Since then, he has played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and most recently, the Giants. This constant movement has been a significant aspect of his career, as he has suited up for seven different franchises in just five years.
Despite the challenges, Kennedy remains a versatile player, having played various infield positions, including first, second, and third base. His career statistics show a batting average of .165, with two home runs and 21 RBIs over 230 plate appearances across 92 games. These numbers indicate that while he has had flashes of potential, consistency has eluded him at the Major League level.
As the Giants prepare for their upcoming series against the New York Mets, they are currently sitting at a disappointing 58-83 record, placing them 25 games behind in the National League West. The team is looking to regroup and find a way to finish the season strong, even as they part ways with players like Kennedy. For Kennedy, the move to the Nationals represents a fresh start and a chance to prove himself in the minor leagues, with the hope of earning another shot at the big leagues in the future.
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