The 2025 MLB season is in full swing and, like every other club, the Philadelphia Phillies were forced to make tough roster decisions before the action began. Several Phillies veterans were sent packing in the leadup to Opening Day, including infielder Buddy Kennedy, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers during the 2024 campaign.
After losing out on the final bench spot to Kody Clemens, the Phillies revealed that they were open to trading Kennedy at the end of March. A deal never materialized, though, resulting in the Millville, NJ native being designated for assignment on March 27.
While some Phillies fans assumed that they had seen the last of Kennedy, it turns out that his departure didn't last all that long.
Phillies Re-Sign IF Buddy Kennedy After Pre-Opening Day Cut
On Tuesday night, Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber reported that the Phillies have brought Kennedy back to the organization on a new contract.
"(Kennedy) declined an outright assignment to Triple-A, became a free agent, then signed the minor-league deal to return," Lauber wrote. It's clear that the Phillies didn't want to risk the veteran infielder signing elsewhere, and re-signing him ensures that they have flexibility in case of injury.
INF Buddy Kennedy re-signed with the #Phillies on a minor league contract, the team announced Tuesday. Kennedy cleared waivers after being designated for assignment. He declined an outright assignment to triple-A, became a free agent, then signed the minor league deal to return.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) April 2, 2025
It'll be interesting to see if Kennedy can perform well enough to return to the big leagues this season. The former 2017 fifth-rounder played extremely well with Triple-A Lehigh Valley after last year's trade, cranking out 10 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 41 walks while slashing .294/.400/.500 across 67 games (248 at-bats).
Kennedy didn't have the same impact at the MLB level, though, slashing just .182/.308/273 in eight appearances with the Phillies. He did impressively record three HRs, seven RBIs, and 10 walks across 40 ABs this spring, however, his .150 batting average led to the rollercoaster ride he's been on to begin the new season.
For now, it remains to be seen when Kennedy will make his 2025 Lehigh Valley debut. The IronPigs are beginning a five-game series with the Rochester Red Wings on Wednesday, meaning it might not be long before the 5-foot-10 infielder is back on the diamond.