Headlines

  • Astros To Promote Brice Matthews
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu
  • Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Braves To Sign Kyle Kendrick

By Zachary Links | December 31, 2015 at 1:20pm CDT

1:20pm: Kendrick’s deal will call for him to earn a $2MM base if he makes the big league roster and incentives can boost the total value to $6MM, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com tweets.

10:09am: The Braves announced that they have signed right-hander Kyle Kendrick to a minor league deal.  The pact includes a non-roster invite to spring training.

Kendrick, 31, is coming off a poor season with the Rockies after signing a one-year, $5.5MM contract last winter. As a fifth starter that doesn’t miss many bats, Kendrick and Coors Field always seemed like a poor fit, but he presumably went with the largest guarantee offered to him last winter.

In 142 1/3 innings with the Rockies, Kendrick limped to a 6.32 ERA. His K/9, BB/9 and ground-ball rates each trended in the wrong direction in his lone season in Denver, and he finished the year with respective marks of 5.1, 2.9 and 38.8 percent in those regards. While Kendrick’s season was easily the worst of his career and likely hampered his 2015-16 market, he did have a track record as a serviceable source of 25 to 30 starts per year in a different hitter-friendly environment: Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.

From 2010-14, Kendrick worked to a 4.33 ERA with 5.3 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 and a ground-ball rate near 46 percent in 835 2/3 innings. He missed some time this past year with inflammation in his right shoulder and has previously spent time on the DL (2013) for the same injury.

Earlier this month, the Pirates were mentioned as a club with interest in Kendrick and that pairing would have made a lot of sense given the club’s reputation for restoring the values of veteran pitchers who have stumbled.  Instead, however, Atlanta has picked him up on a low-risk deal.

Share 38 Retweet 19 Send via email0

Atlanta Braves Transactions Kyle Kendrick

Orioles Notes: Span, Kazmir, Kim
Main
Heyman On Cespedes, Parra, Davis
View Comments (55)
Post a Comment

55 Comments

  1. JT 4

    10 years ago

    Why Braves why

    Reply
    • RunDMC

      10 years ago

      Why not? He signed a $5.5M deal just one year ago, and Braves get him for a minor-league deal. He should benefit just by not starting in COL. And while we don’t necessarily need to rely on him, he adds depth and experience within NL East having success with PHI. This follows the pattern of a buy-low candidate that can, at most, rebuild his stock through long relief and/or back-of-the-rotation starts that can be flipped at the Deadline, and at the very least, can provide more stability in the bullpen for next-to-nothing. Good move, again.

      Reply
      • A'sfaninUK

        10 years ago

        Minor league depth moves should 100% never be called a “good move”. It’s more “a” move.

        A “good move” is the Orioles getting 2 years of Kim for $7M, when he’s a way better and more consistent hitter than Kang ever was, ergo, he should be a pretty good everyday player.

        Reply
        • Jizz Chasholm

          10 years ago

          Tell that to Will Harris, Chris Colabello and J.D Martinez

          Reply
    • seamaholic 2

      10 years ago

      Cheap source of innings. Gotta get through the season somehow.

      Reply
    • A'sfaninUK

      10 years ago

      #1 draft picks, have you heard of them?

      Reply
  2. bravesfan 7

    10 years ago

    Reply
    • disadvantage

      10 years ago

      Speechless over this signing?

      Reply
  3. dalealvingribble

    10 years ago

    Kyle Kendrick is 5-1 with a 2.86 ERA in 63 Career Innings at Turner Field. So there’s that.

    Reply
    • koldjerky

      10 years ago

      Well he’s also not going to be pitching AGAINST the Braves.

      Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        10 years ago

        Thank you. Someone else who realizes how silly statements like that are.

        Reply
        • dalealvingribble

          10 years ago

          I am just trying to find some bright side to this signing that looks to be more of the 5th Starter / Innings Eater variety. That’s why I ended my statement with “So there’s that”.

          Reply
          • mrnatewalter

            10 years ago

            There’s likely not much, and that’s okay. He was signed on an MiLB deal, so any level of positive production is valuable from him.

            My point, and likely koldjerky’s, was that Kendrick’s stats at Turner Field are moot because they are all against the Braves, who he is now a part of.

            Reply
        • Acuña Matata

          10 years ago

          Thats not a silly statement… What? Its silly for you to say that. Clearly he likes pitching in Turner Field. Cause you know that actually does happen…..

          Reply
          • mrnatewalter

            10 years ago

            His 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA in Turner Field all takes place while playing AGAINST the Braves.

            It’s silly to think that because he had good numbers against the team in a ball park, he’ll magically put up similar numbers playing against other teams.

            For example, he has a lifetime 5.04 ERA against the Nationals. Will he suddenly pitch amazing against them when they go to Turner Field? He might, but his split numbers don’t support that argument, at all.

            Reply
          • Acuña Matata

            10 years ago

            Oh boy. Ok so first you contradicted yourself. You went from an absolute “it is silly and stupid and wont happen” to “He might but”. So I’m going to stop you right there. First, honestly yes he could pitch better against the Nationals at Turner Field. Pitchers have stated time again that certain places make them feel more comfortable.

            Second, at any point did i state he’ll put up similar numbers? Nope. 2013 he had a FIP of 4.02. On a Minor League deal I can live with that. Its a 50/50 whether he can do it but I puts odds he can. 1. Roger McDowell 2. Turner Field 3. Comfort level.

            Finally, its Kyle Kendrick. He’s been doing this professionally and consistently since 2007. Obviously people far more knowledgeable than us see what he’s still capable of and this is as a starter. He’s by no means Cliff Lee but a 5-1 @ 2.63 at home signed on a Minor League deal? Exactly how is that silly?

            Reply
            • gmenfan

              10 years ago

              You guys are arguing over Kyle Kendrick. It must either be really cold or really boring where you live.

              Reply
          • Acuña Matata

            10 years ago

            Says the guy who just joined in to point out something that really didn’t need to be pointed out. How cold is it there?

            Reply
          • mrnatewalter

            10 years ago

            I’m not referring to the “silly statement” in regards to Kyle Kendrick directly, more in an overall sense.

            Ballpark splits show us one thing: how a pitcher has performed against one team in one ballpark. Unless ballparks are neutral and the Phillies played the Nationals in Turner Field, it’s not a very useful stat to use.

            To use that split, in any case, with any player (particularly pitchers), would be to say “he pitched well against the Braves in Turner Field, therefore, he’ll likely pitch well against ANY team in Turner Field” or vise versa if he’s bad in a ballpark against one team.

            It’s silly to use ballpark splits to project how a pitcher will perform on his new team. For any player, not just for Kendrick.

            Reply
          • mrnatewalter

            10 years ago

            None of this is to say that this is a bad signing. I don’t think that at all, by the way.

            It’s an MiLB deal for a pitcher who could be good, could be bad.

            My statement is simply suggesting that ballpark splits are useless to suggest that a pitcher will be a good or bad signing for a team. There are better splits/stats to use.

            Reply
    • todd76

      10 years ago

      I like it!

      Reply
  4. TJECK109

    10 years ago

    A minor league deal is zero risk for the braves. If he turns it around he is a trade chip at the deadline

    Reply
    • A'sfaninUK

      10 years ago

      The “risk” is that anytime he pitches, the Braves will lose. I think that’s what they’re gunning for this season though. No team in their right mind would ever trade for Kyle Kendrick, who has been horrendous his entire career.

      Reply
      • disadvantage

        10 years ago

        If they don’t sign Kendrick and they are desperate for another starter, the statement “The “risk” is that anytime he pitches, the Braves will lose” applies to just about anybody in his place. In fact, I can think of a lot worse options than a guy who has had a bit of success in his past and can throw some innings at the Major League level in a glass case.

        Reply
      • James7430

        10 years ago

        I wouldn’t say he’s been horrendous his entire career. Last year certainly, but most of his years in Philly he was very serviceable and was an innings eater.

        Reply
  5. A'sfaninUK

    10 years ago

    The guy has a 4.81 career FIP. CAREER. He is absolutely horrendous at baseball, and will probably be at AAA until the Braves need someone to come up and get shelled. Literally cannot believe anyone would think this is a “good” move.

    Reply
    • Brixton

      10 years ago

      Because signing a guy whose had success and can pitch 180 innings for not even a million dollars is the worst thing anyone could have done?
      Hes a cheap source of innings and a stopgag for the pitching prospects.

      No such thing as a bad MiLB deal.

      Reply
    • mrnatewalter

      10 years ago

      He’s absolutely horrendous that he made the big leagues and continues to sign contracts with other Major League Baseball teams.

      Hyperbole much?

      Reply
      • GoBraves

        10 years ago

        Horrendous horrendous horrendous! Chill out everyone who do we have other than Julio who is either a) proven commodity b) not horrendous? Dalealvingribble has a point. Good record in Turner v. MUCH better offensive clubs (Heyward, Upton, Gattis). Could work out for us. If not then he stays in AAA and we lose nothing. Chill out.

        Reply
    • Acuña Matata

      10 years ago

      I like your definition of horrendous. Where did you play?

      Reply
      • WalkOffWalk

        10 years ago

        Why would that matter? I’ve never understood that argument.

        Reply
        • Acuña Matata

          10 years ago

          Just like I never understood how one quantifies terrible when they themselves can’t do it

          Reply
          • bravos4evr

            10 years ago

            what a stupid comment…. do you not know a bad movie or song? do you have to be able to film a movie to have an opinion?

            Reply
          • Acuña Matata

            10 years ago

            Lol bravos comes through with fallacies

            Reply
  6. chad803

    10 years ago

    I get that it’s a high reward, low risk but all the old pitchers are gonna block/take away some starts from all our pitching prospects

    Reply
    • mrnatewalter

      10 years ago

      Not really. Kendrick and Bud Norris could be stop-gaps until the younger pitchers are ready.

      Norris was signed at 2.5M and Kendrick on a MiLB deal. It’s not like it’ll break the bank if they have to DFA/release either guy to make room in June, July, or August.

      Reply
  7. Phillies2017

    10 years ago

    have fun braves fans
    cordially,
    Philadelphia

    Reply
    • chieftoto

      10 years ago

      Thank you, you too
      Cordially, Atlanta
      Oh wait, never mind, you guys suck balls AND you have no farm system.

      Reply
      • Brixton

        10 years ago

        You realize the Phillies are right up there with Atlanta in terms of farm system?
        We have 6 top 100 prospects plus we just graduated Nola, Franco and Velasquez.
        Our farm is just as good as yours.

        Reply
      • R.D.

        10 years ago

        Stop making braves fans look dumb please, Atlanta would be so lucky as to have maikel Franco or have the offensive farm that they have in Philly

        Reply
    • chieftoto

      10 years ago

      Thank you, you too
      Cordially, Braves

      Reply
    • disadvantage

      10 years ago

      This is a lie, as Phillies fans have never done anything “cordially”.

      Reply
  8. gobraves46

    10 years ago

    You can never have to much pitching depth… He’ll give you innings, they’ll be dreadful horrific “Donnie Veal-esq.” innings, but innings none the less.

    Reply
  9. fmfish12

    10 years ago

    Still waiting to see the Braves make more moves. With the Braves officially in rebuilding mode, I really think they need to trade Freeman and Teheran for more prospects. They made smart moves already this offseason, like getting the most recent number 1 pick Dansby Swanson from Arizona in exchange for Shelby Miller. Although they’re getting a future all-star in Swanson, they deal I most like is the Andrelton Simmons trade. By trading the gold glover to the Angels, Atlanta got an absolute stud prospect in return: Seam Newcomb. He a 6’7 lefty with gas. Grew up watching him play at the University of Hartford. But seriously John Hart, you’ve traded Miller and Simmons already, now it’s time to trade your stars. If the Braves package Freeman and Teheran, they can get 3 to 4 quality prospects in return, along with a solid veteran to mentor all these young kids. I suggest contacting teams like the Cubs or Red Sox. They both have the farm system to get the deal done, and especially have the money to take on the players. If you’re listening John Hart, here’s your rebuilding process.

    Reply
    • Acuña Matata

      10 years ago

      I like how you think you’re talking to John Hart himself. It tickles me

      Reply
    • MLB4LIFE

      10 years ago

      I can see what your saying about Tehran to the cubs,but not in a package deal.Why would they want Freeman when they have a better 1st baseman in Rizzo?Maybe Freeman to the Red Soz tho.Either way,I dont forsee anyone one of them trades happening.Stewart is in Arizona not Chicago or Boston.

      Reply
    • themackattack

      10 years ago

      I don’t think we have to move Teheran or Freeman at all. This doesn’t have to be a firesale. We had two independent deals were we just got absurd value for the players on our team. If somebody comes in and blows the front office away with an offer for Teheran or Freeman then I hope we take it. If they will only give us market value, then hold on to them until somebody gives us too much to pass on. Desperate teams will come calling at the trade deadline.

      Reply
  10. vamosbravos

    10 years ago

    +fmfish12-Rarely I am I ever speechless, but after reading your post, you leave me absolutely no choice.

    Reply
    • fmfish12

      10 years ago

      Can’t tell of that’s an insult or compliment

      Reply
    • fmfish12

      10 years ago

      To vamosbravos: can’t tell if you’re complimenting me or insulting me

      Reply
  11. gomerhodge71

    10 years ago

    Maddux….Smoltz….Glavine….Kendrick. The legacy continues.

    Reply
  12. filsforever2016

    10 years ago

    This should lock up the pennant for the Braves!LOLOLOLOLOLOL

    Reply
  13. wil1447

    10 years ago

    This signing means nothing, don’t see why people are caring that much or complaining about this just a minor league signing with potential to fill in a rotation/swingman type of spot. Really I could care less

    Reply
  14. joedirte4life

    10 years ago

    This is a blah blah blah……..don’t pay attention until 2018 kinda move. It doesn’t matter. It’s not like he’s gonna win them games and he will be off the books by next year.

    Reply
  15. bravesfan357

    10 years ago

    I remember a guy on here(idr his name) comparing Shelby Miller to Kyle Kendrick. He went on and on about it. I wonder where that guy is now, and what he thinks.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

  • Top Stories
  • Recent

Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Bobby Jenks Passes Away

Braves Release Alex Verdugo

Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

Rangers Option Josh Jung

Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

Giants Outright Sergio Alcántara

Joe Coleman Passes Away

Dodgers Outright CJ Alexander

Trade Deadline Outlook: New York Yankees

Clarke Schmidt To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Trade Deadline Outlook: Atlanta Braves

Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

Nationals Sign Francisco Mejia To Minor League Deal

Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

Latest Rumors & News

Latest Rumors & News

  • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
  • Luis Robert Rumors
  • Alex Bregman Rumors

 

Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

MLBTR Features

MLBTR Features

  • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
  • Front Office Originals
  • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
  • MLBTR Podcast
  • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
  • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
  • Contract Tracker
  • Transaction Tracker
  • Extension Tracker
  • Agency Database
  • MLBTR On Twitter
  • MLBTR On Facebook
  • Team Facebook Pages
  • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

Rumors By Team

  • Angels Rumors
  • Astros Rumors
  • Athletics Rumors
  • Blue Jays Rumors
  • Braves Rumors
  • Brewers Rumors
  • Cardinals Rumors
  • Cubs Rumors
  • Diamondbacks Rumors
  • Dodgers Rumors
  • Giants Rumors
  • Guardians Rumors
  • Mariners Rumors
  • Marlins Rumors
  • Mets Rumors
  • Nationals Rumors
  • Orioles Rumors
  • Padres Rumors
  • Phillies Rumors
  • Pirates Rumors
  • Rangers Rumors
  • Rays Rumors
  • Red Sox Rumors
  • Reds Rumors
  • Rockies Rumors
  • Royals Rumors
  • Tigers Rumors
  • Twins Rumors
  • White Sox Rumors
  • Yankees Rumors

Navigation

  • Sitemap
  • Archives
  • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

MLBTR INFO

  • Advertise
  • About
  • Commenting Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS Feed

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top

Register

Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version