KC Royals: 3 potential trade partners for RP Ian Kennedy

Face the facts:  The Colorado Rockies has a fetish of taking former KC Royals pitchers who post high save totals.  See Wade Davis and Greg Holland.

Yes, Wade Davis has been named the closer to start 2020 for the Rockies.  After a successful 2018 season in the mile-high air, Davis had a horrible year last season posting an 8.65 ERA, walking 29 in 42 2/3 innings and a -1.3 WAR.  If he falters again, Scott Oberg is waiting in the wings.  Oberg struck out 58 in 56 frames and had an amazing 232 ERA+ when adjusted for his home ballpark.

It is well-known that Coors Field can demoralize pitchers and Colorado always need hot arms in the bullpen.  Insert Kennedy who could bring stability to a pitching staff that will need relief for tired arms and bruised psyches to come late summer.  It also may be a stretch that they will be in the playoff hunt but the offense could push them to stay in the race.

There are other options to consider, but an interesting trade would involve sending Riley Pint back to the Kansas City area.  The Rockies took Pint out of St. Thomas Aquinas in Overland Park fourth overall back in 2016.  They may have had their fill of him as his minor league career has produced 3 wins in 40 starts, a 5.71 ERA and 1.80 WHIP.

Would a change of scenery help Pint relax and become the pitcher he was back in high school when he was the 2016 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year?  I would be willing to give up an older relief pitcher who would probably not be re-signed by the Royals next season to see if this 6’5″ right-handed hurler with a cannon for an arm and is still only 22 years old can reclaim that magic.