While the Pittsburgh Pirates are still currently in the mix in trade negotiations for Boston Red Sox ace Jon Lester, there is another less-hyped named that could find himself in a Buccos uniform by this weekend.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Pittsburgh Pirates are one of three teams currently pursuing San Diego Padres standout righty Ian Kennedy:
Sources: Teams on #Padres' Kennedy include #Royals, #Pirates, #Marlins - and others. Not certain to be moved.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2014
The Padres have hemmed and hawed over Kennedy's availability the past few weeks with no one quite sure if they are truly willing to deal him. He is currently due just under $3 million for the rest of the season and is arbitration eligible in 2015. The 29-year-old is likely to command a decent pay bump with a 3.66 ERA and a 3.42 K/BB ratio (143 strikeouts against just 42 walks) in 22 starts this year.
San Diego's willingness to move Kennedy could hinge on whether they feel such a pay increase is tenable or not, with the Pittsburgh Pirates lurking if they decide it to be best to offload him.
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