Yankees: 3 easy replacements for Aroldis Chapman

Ian Kennedy could be exactly what the Yankees need the second time around

It may be within the American League, but if the Texas Rangers are selling, then the Yankees need to be buying. Texas has several interesting trade pieces that should be available at this year’s deadline. One player who could be making his triumphant return to The Bronx is former starter turned relief pitcher Ian Kennedy. Expect Texas to sell high on the soon-to-be free agent this July.

Kennedy has a 2.86 ERA and a 1.129 WHIP in 28 appearances for the Rangers this season. He has recorded 14 saves for the Rangers thus far. While he had been a successful post-Yankees, most noticeably with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kennedy has been converted into a relief pitcher in recent years. He had 30 saves in his first season in the new role with the 2019 Kansas City Royals.

Kennedy will be a free agent this winter ahead of his age-37 season out of USC. While his trade value is relatively high, the Yankees will not have to give up a ton to get him like they would for multiple years of Rodriguez’s services. The question is if Kennedy will even want to return to the team who drafted him after not living up to lofty expectations his first time around in pinstripes.

Kennedy may be available this month, but past history may keep the Yankees from going there.