There are still a few notable MLB pitchers available in free agency and the Kansas City Royals are hoping to sign one of them before the 2016 season begins.
Previous rumors have linked the Royals to starter Ian Kennedy, and it appears as if the two sides are getting closer to an agreement.
Jon Heyman is reporting Kansas City is "making progress" on Kennedy and the talks are "ongoing." The Royals have been linked to Kennedy, Yovani Gallardo, Wei-Yin Chen and Scott Kazmir this offseason, but Kennedy figures to best fit their financial restrictions. Chen signed with the Marlins for $80 million over five years and Kazmir joined the Dodgers for $48 million over three years. Gallardo figures to land a $50-$60 million deal and cost a draft pick.
Kennedy, 31, will also cost a draft pick after having rejected the San Diego Padres' qualifying offer, but it's been said the Royals feel he's a good fit for Kauffman Stadium. The hitter's ballpark and tremendous Royals' defense can play to his advantage and perhaps help him rebound after a poor 2015 campaign. The right-hander went 9-15 with a 4.28 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 30 starts (168-1/3 innings) with the Pads.
However, he did register 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings and maintained a 3.35 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The potential signing would also reunite Kennedy with pitching coach Dave Eiland. The two spent a couple seasons together with the New York Yankees before moving on. Kennedy pitched only 14 games with New York at the MLB level, but Eiland was the one who helped develop the right-hander when he worked in the Yankees' farm system. Eiland has been the pitching coach of the Royals since Oct. 2011.
When the Royals take care of their arbitration-eligible players, their payroll could reach $125 million, so it's unclear if they'll look to add Kennedy and then free up some space since that number will already be the highest in franchise history.
MLB experts have predicted Kennedy to land a deal between $40-$50 million over four years, which could certainly fit the Royals' budget if its structured properly.
Stay tuned for updates on this development.