The Texas Rangers have made a flurry of personnel moves over the past 48 hours. The latest was made just before Friday’s trade deadline. The Rangers have traded right-handers Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, and right-handed pitching prospect Hans Crouse to the Philadelphia Phillies. It went down to the wire for both of these teams. The deal was complete just hours before the 4 PM EST deadline.
Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies Deal Specifics
Much like Joey Gallo’s trade to the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers will get several prospects from the Phillies in exchange for Gibson and Kennedy. The Phillies are sending rookie Spencer Howard and prospects Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner. Philadelphia will also receive $4 million from Texas in the deal. The Rangers are sure going to miss Gibson. He has really made an impact in 2021. Although he may have struggled recently, at one point, Gibson was 6-0. He was quietly having a very productive season. Gibson is currently 6-3 with an earned run average of 2.87. He just hasn’t gotten any run support recently.
Closer Upgrade
The Phillies are really going to enjoy having Ian Kennedy at their disposal along with Gibson. Kennedy has pitched in 32 games this year. He has saved 16 of those games. He also has a very respectable earned run average of 2.51. In 2021, Kennedy has struck out 35 batters and walked seven. He also has a WHIP of 1.05. He has stepped up nicely. In spring training, he was considered a long shot to be the everyday closer. However, after righty Jose Leclerc went on the 60-day Injured List, Kennedy was the Rangers’ best option. He was in a platoon situation with righty Matt Bush for a time, but Bush also went on the IL in early April. Hopefully, this latest deal for Gibson and Kennedy will benefit both teams.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, Hans Crouse, Joey Gallo, Spencer Howard, Kevin Gowdy, Josh Gessner, Jose Leclerc, Matt Bush
