In the weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline, teams will make a flurry of moves in hopes of finding solutions to some of the issues that ail them before exploring the trade route.
The Detroit Tigers are one of those teams that have been active lately, calling up players from the minor leagues and designating others for assignment. For those players who get DFA’d, they have a chance to stay with the organization or get the opportunity to play elsewhere.
In fact, fans just saw ex-Tiger infielder Jeimer Candelario get DFA’d by the Cincinnati Reds, and ultimately gets released after signing a three-year, $45 million contract. Candelario likely won’t be the only Tiger sitting in free agency, as another infielder is set to join him.
Ex-Tigers Utilityman Buddy Kennedy DFA’d to End June
On Monday, the Philadelphia Phillies announced that they had designated former Tigers infielder Buddy Kennedy for assignment. In a corresponding move, the Phillies are reinstating star first baseman Bryce Harper from the 10-day injured list.
Prior to tonight’s game against the San Diego Padres, the Phillies reinstated 1B Bryce Harper from the 10-day injured list. To make room on the 26-man roster, INF Buddy Kennedy was designated for assignment.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 30, 2025
Kennedy didn’t spend much time in the majors with the Phillies, who recalled him from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on June 19. The 26-year-old infielder recorded a walk and two strikeouts in eight plate appearances (four games).
This isn’t the ex-Tigers' first major league stint with the Phillies. Kennedy played in eight games last year, hitting .182 with a double and two RBI. Kennedy has spent most of his time in the minors with the Phillies.
This season, the former Tiger is slashing .283/.388/.447 with eight home runs and 40 RBI at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Detroit fans might not remember Kennedy’s tenure, as he spent only eight games with the big league club last year.
With the Tigers, Kennedy hit a mediocre .200 with a home run and four RBI. He also played some games at Triple-A Toledo, posting a .234 average at the plate with 12 doubles, three home runs, and 14 RBI.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if the former Tiger is traded or waived in the coming days. If he clears waivers, Kennedy can turn down going back to the minors and head into free agency to find another opportunity.