3 Royals with doomed futures in Kansas City after shortened season

1. Ian Kennedy

The Royals tried to shore up their rotation after winning the World Series in 2015 with the signing of free agent Ian Kennedy, who was known for being an innings eater. The organization most definitely overpaid Kennedy and everyone knew it at the time and hey – That still is the case today!

Kennedy might have pitched his last game for the Royals a few weeks ago, as he landed on the injured list where he still remains. Kennedy was moved to the bullpen last year and had a dominant season as a closer and the team missed their chance to trade him while he was still of some value.

This year did not go well for Kennedy. It felt like Kennedy coughed up a homer or at least surrendered multiple runs every time he’d enter the game and knowing that the Royals were paying him $16 million to be a lackluster reliever was painful. This signing didn’t work out for the Royals, but at least that eyesore of a contract will be off the books at season’s end.

It’s very likely that the 35-year-old pitcher has pitched his way out of a roster spot for any team moving forward, but it’s possible he could sign a minor league contract somewhere in 2021, it just won’t be with the Royals.