Phillies Season in Review: Ian Kennedy

The Philadelphia Phillies needed bullpen help this season. Prior to the July trade deadline, the bullpen was on pace for the major league record for blown saves in a season. Their backend was struggling and it was costing them games.

Philadelphia attempted to put a bandage on the issue when they made a trade with the Texas Rangers that would see Kyle Gibson and Kennedy come to the Phillies. With Kennedy as the closer, they were then able to move Ranger Suárez from the role to the rotation with much success. 

During his time with Texas, Kennedy racked up 16 saves with an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 1.052 in 32.1 innings pitched. Granted, he was pitching on one of the worst teams in MLB and the pressure of competing for a contender was not a factor. 

After his move to Philadelphia, Kennedy regressed back to what his projected performance heading into the season was going to be. In 24 innings pitched, the closer recorded 10 saves with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.167 WHIP. 

In September, Kennedy recorded two consecutive blown saves. He would finish his season with three of the 32 blown saves for the Phillies all season. 

The team was hoping for more out of Kennedy down the stretch, and while he didn't play the part of the proven closer, he did help the team solve other problems on the roster. 

Kennedy is a free agent heading into the offseason and it is hard to see the Phillies bringing the reliever back in any capacity next season, especially considering he will be 37-years-old by Opening Day 2022. Well, at least he'll always have this special moment.