Headlines

  • Rays Close To Contract Extension With Yandy Diaz
  • Mets To Extend Jeff McNeil
  • Braves Extend Manager Brian Snitker Through 2025
  • Rays Sign Pete Fairbanks To Extension
  • Royals Sign Aroldis Chapman To One-Year Deal
  • Athletics Sign Jesús Aguilar
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • 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
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration 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)

Comments

  1. JT

    7 years ago

    Why Braves why

    Reply
    • rundmc1981

      7 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
      • Just Another Fan

        7 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
        • JFisnasty

          7 years ago

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

    • seamaholic

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
    • Just Another Fan

      7 years ago

      #1 draft picks, have you heard of them?

      Reply
  2. bravesfan

    7 years ago

    Reply
    • disadvantage

      7 years ago

      Speechless over this signing?

      Reply
  3. dalealvingribble

    7 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

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        7 years ago

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

        Reply
        • dalealvingribble

          7 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”.

        • mrnatewalter

          7 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.

        • layercake

          7 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…..

        • mrnatewalter

          7 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.

        • layercake

          7 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?

        • gmenfan

          7 years ago

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

        • layercake

          7 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?

        • mrnatewalter

          7 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.

        • mrnatewalter

          7 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.

    • todd76

      7 years ago

      I like it!

      Reply
  4. TJECK109

    7 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
    • Just Another Fan

      7 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

        7 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

        7 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. Just Another Fan

    7 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

      7 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

      7 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

        7 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
    • layercake

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
      • WalkOffWalk

        7 years ago

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

        Reply
        • layercake

          7 years ago

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

        • bravos4evr

          7 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?

        • layercake

          7 years ago

          Lol bravos comes through with fallacies

  6. chad803

    7 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

      7 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

    7 years ago

    have fun braves fans
    cordially,
    Philadelphia

    Reply
    • chieftoto

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
      • Brixton

        7 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.

        7 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

      7 years ago

      Thank you, you too
      Cordially, Braves

      Reply
    • disadvantage

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
  8. gobraves46

    7 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

    7 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
    • layercake

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
    • MLB4LIFE

      7 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

      7 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

    7 years ago

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

    Reply
    • fmfish12

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
    • fmfish12

      7 years ago

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

      Reply
  11. gomerhodge71

    7 years ago

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

    Reply
  12. filsforever2016

    7 years ago

    This should lock up the pennant for the Braves!LOLOLOLOLOLOL

    Reply
  13. wil1447

    7 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

    7 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

    7 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

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Rays Close To Contract Extension With Yandy Diaz

    Mets To Extend Jeff McNeil

    Braves Extend Manager Brian Snitker Through 2025

    Rays Sign Pete Fairbanks To Extension

    Royals Sign Aroldis Chapman To One-Year Deal

    Athletics Sign Jesús Aguilar

    Orioles Acquire Cole Irvin From A’s

    Astros Name Dana Brown General Manager

    Rays Extend Jeffrey Springs

    Royals, Red Sox Swap Adalberto Mondesi For Josh Taylor

    Red Sox Designate Matt Barnes For Assignment

    Scott Rolen Elected Into Baseball Hall Of Fame

    Red Sox Sign Adam Duvall

    Brad Ausmus Reportedly Among Astros’ GM Finalists

    Mike Clevinger Under Investigation For Domestic Violence Allegations

    Arte Moreno No Longer Pursuing Sale Of Angels

    Twins Acquire Michael A. Taylor From Royals

    Padres Sign Nelson Cruz To One-Year Deal

    Sal Bando Passes Away

    Twins, Marlins Swap Luis Arraez For Pablo Lopez In Four-Player Trade

    Recent

    Phillies Sign Josh Harrison

    Angels Interested In Zack Britton

    MLBTR Chat Transcript

    NL Notes: Schuerholz, Braves, Astros, Mets, Dodgers

    Giants To Sign Roberto Perez

    Free Agent Profile: Dylan Bundy

    Yankees Avoid Arbitration With Gleyber Torres

    Dipoto: Mariners Likely Done Adding To Roster Before Camp

    Fernando Tatis Jr. Opens Up About Lost Season

    Rockies Owner Dick Monfort Addresses 2023 Season, Padres, Off-Season

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

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • 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

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • 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

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version