San Diego Padres Acquire Ian Kennedy

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Multiple teams have been actively engaging the Arizona Diamondbacks with interest in acquiring right-hander Ian Kennedy. At one point last night rumblings seemed to suggest that he was on the verge of being moved to the Los Angeles Angels as part of a larger, three team deal that would have included Jake Peavy coming to Arizona. Naturally such a move is now off the table – with Peavy’s trade to Boston – but it appears from multiple sources, including Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, that the D’backs and San Diego Padres are “closing in” on a deal for Kennedy that would bring a trio of players back to Arizona.

Update: MLB.com’s Corey Brock is now reporting that the deal is complete.

Kennedy has struggled to a 3-8 record, 5.23 ERA, 1.419 WHIP, and a league leading 10 hit batters in 124.0 IP for the D’backs this year. It’s an off year and a sharp turn from the Cy Young caliber performance that Kennedy put up in 2011, but the Diamondbacks find themselves with depth in their starting rotation and can afford to move him in order to address other needs. Kennedy, who’s from Southern California, could be heading back home and the change of scenery might benefit him.

Joe Thatcher and Matt Stites appear to be heading to Arizona in return. Thatcher’s attracted interest from a number of team’s in need of left-handed relievers as he’s been having a career year to date. He’s posted a 2.10 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, and 8.7 K/9 in 30.0 IP on the year, walking just four batters in 50 appearances. The Padres seemed likely to move him before the deadline given the absence of many reliable lefty relievers on the trade market. Stites has spent the year at Double-A, making 46 appearances. The right-hander has a 2.08 ERA, 0.865 WHIP, and 14 saves in 52.0 IP.

Arizona will receive a third player in the deal, San Diego’s Compensation Round B draft pick in next June’s Amateur Draft.