Kansas City Royals: Starting Pitching Options
By Scott Dillon
Ian Kennedy: Steamer Projection – 31 Starts
Since the start of the 2010 season, Ian Kennedy has averaged 32 starts and just under 196 innings per year. That’s something the Royals hope he can replicate in 2016.
Those numbers have his average outing more than six innings and that’s something the Royals could desperately use. In 2015, Royals’ starters lasted an average of 5.2 innings per outing. Only one starter, Edinson Volquez, made more than 30 starts for the Royals last year.
They had the bullpen depth to help bridge that gap to the seventh inning but will look to improve on that number in 2016.
Kennedy’s biggest bugaboo has been his inability to prevent home runs. Last season he gave up a whopping 31 home runs though 20 of those came in the first-half and 12 of those came in his first eight starts. Kauffman Stadium’s vast expanses may help him lower those numbers a bit in 2016.
The Royals brought Ian Kennedy in to be a starter. They’re on the hook for quite a bit of money over the next five seasons if Kennedy opts to stay a Royal. It’s in the Royals’ best interest to see him succeed. If he’s successful in these next two seasons, he may opt out seeking a bigger contract which would save the Royals $13.5 million per season.
If Kennedy can make 31 starts and last over six innings per outing it would offer some much needed relief to a group of relievers that pitches frequently. Luckily, the Royals’ relievers are some of the best in the business and they have the depth to pick up some slack.
Next: Ace Ventura