MLB: Five most surprising pitchers in 2021

Ian Kennedy, RP, Texas Rangers

The 36-year-old Ian Kennedy has had to reinvent himself over the last three years by retiring his spot in the rotation and picking up a spot to anchor the bullpen. The 15-year MLB veteran is currently leading the major leagues in saves (10) while showing impeccable control (20K/4BB) in 16 innings.

Compared to 2020, Kennedy is on his way to an All-Star season as a reliever. In 2020, Kennedy experienced quite a bit of trouble in only 14 innings of work. Kennedy gave up 7 home runs in 15 games after giving up 6 home runs in 63 appearances the year prior. His HR/9 has dropped back to career averages after taking a huge leap in 2020 which probably calmed some fears in the Texas Rangers front office.

Despite a small sample size, Kennedy is giving up the least amount of hits per nine innings for his entire MLB career (6.8) and his strikeouts per nine innings (11.3) are back in double digits after seeing a slight drop during 2020. In Kennedy’s first full season as a reliever with the Royals in 2019, Kennedy fared very well. Over 63 ⅓ innings, Kennedy 30 saves across 63 appearances while striking out 73 and only walking 17. Despite Kennedy’s good season as a reliever, he took a step back in 2020. COVID was no excuse for his performance although it may have been a bit lackluster. Kennedy is now back and reinventing himself as a 36-year-old reliever for the last-place Texas Rangers.

The 36-year-old veteran is the oldest player to be named one of the five surprising pitchers in 2021.