Phillies Infielder Demand: Team Clamouring for Hometown Hero from Mike Trout’s Stomping Grounds
The Philadelphia Phillies decided on the final roster spot on Monday, March 24th, and went with Kody Clemens. Clemens had a great Spring Training and beat out his competition.
While not making it onto the Phillies Opening Day roster, the player from the same hometown as Mike Trout has drawn trade interest.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic , infielder Buddy Kennedy has been drawing trade interest from other teams. With Clemens making the Opening Day roster, Kennedy would have to be optioned. But he’s out of options, meaning he will have to be designated for assignment.
Being designated for assignment means putting him out on the open market for anyone to sign. In that scenario, it would be unlikely for the Phillies to retain him in the Minor Leagues.
Before he’s designated for assignment, the Phillies will try to trade him and get back any value. As he’s already drawn trade interest according to Dave Dombrowski, a trade is possible.
The infielder from Millville, New Jersey, the same hometown as Mike Trout, has been drawing trade interest around the Major Leagues. While his value isn’t expected to be high, the Phillies could receive something for the 26-year-old.
While he lost the Spring Training battle to Clemens for the final roster spot, his numbers were still intriguing. Despite hitting for just a .162 batting average, Kennedy had three home runs and seven runs batted in to go with a solid .779 OPS.
The deadline to swing a trade is Thursday, March 27th, when the Major League rosters are set. If a trade isn’t made, the Phillies will designate Kennedy for assignment.
