The San Francisco Giants quietly added another layer of infield depth last month, signing Buddy Kennedy to a minor league contract after the versatile infielder elected free agency at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

While the move flew under the radar, Kennedy brings experience, positional flexibility, and Triple-A production that could prove valuable over the course of a long season.

Kennedy, 27, appeared in 13 Major League games during the 2025 campaign, bouncing between three organizations. He logged time with the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Dodgers, a reflection of both his readiness for the big leagues and the roster challenges that come with being out of minor league options.

Because Kennedy can no longer be freely optioned to the minors, each roster move required a designation for assignment, leading to a whirlwind year that included waiver claims, outrights, and multiple organizational changes.

Despite the instability, Kennedy managed to carve out a memorable footnote to his season. Having spent time with both the Dodgers and Blue Jays, he was guaranteed a World Series ring regardless of the outcome of the Fall Classic — a rare consolation prize for a player frequently on the move.

Offensively, Kennedy’s Major League numbers have yet to match his minor league success. Over 67 MLB games with five different teams, he owns a .178/.271/.274 slash line. However, his Triple-A résumé tells a much more encouraging story.

Across more than 1,700 career plate appearances at the highest minor league level, Kennedy has posted a .281 batting average with a strong .388 on-base percentage, pairing solid contact skills with occasional power.

Defense is where Kennedy may offer the most immediate value. He has extensive experience at first, second, and third base, with additional exposure to shortstop and left field. That versatility gives the Giants flexibility when managing injuries or short-term roster needs, particularly over the course of a 162-game season.

Breaking camp with the Major League club could be difficult. San Francisco’s infield is largely spoken for, and second base, the lone unsettled position, could still be addressed externally, with rumors linking the Giants to established names such as Ketel Marte or Brendan Donovan.

Even without a major addition, players like Casey Schmitt, Tyler Fitzgerald, Christian Koss, and Osleivis Basabe appear to be ahead of Kennedy on the depth chart.

Still, Kennedy profiles as a useful depth option at Triple-A Sacramento. While his out-of-options status complicates roster decisions, his experience and versatility give the Giants a capable insurance policy should injuries or performance issues arise during the 2026 season.

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