17-Year Veteran Pitcher Elects Free Agency

Yes, you read that right. 

17 years in the MLB.

Veteran right-hander Ian Kennedy has elected to become a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers last week.

The Rangers made this move after Kennedy struggled on the mound, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) on 11 hits, walking three batters, and striking out 13 in 10 relief innings this season.

#Rangers RHP Ian Kennedy has elected free agency.

— MiLB-Transactions (@tombaseball29) May 15, 2023

Kennedy, who is 38 years old, also faced difficulties while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022, posting a 5.36 ERA, a 1.57 WHIP, 10 saves, and 44 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched.

With a career spanning 17 years in the major leagues, Kennedy's future in professional baseball is in limbo despite recording 66 saves since 2019.

For his career, he holds a 4.15 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and has averaged 8.4 K/9 across 1,898 innings and 492 appearances. Photo Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports