Righty Ian Kennedy joins D-backs

The D-backs on Wednesday announced the signing of veteran right-hander Ian Kennedy to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2023. Terms were not announced, but a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that it's for $4.75 million. The agreement includes $2.35 million in incentives.

Kennedy, 37, has proven to be effective even into his late 30s, posting a 3.20 ERA over 55 appearances last season between the Rangers and Phillies. He was particularly good with Texas, where he pitched to a 2.51 ERA in 32 starts before being dealt to Philadelphia on July 30.

Kennedy will be entering his 16th Major League season in 2022, with a career 4.10 ERA. He’s only made one start since 2018, appearing almost exclusively out of the bullpen over the past three years. Prior to pitching for the Rangers and Phillies in ’21, he spent five seasons with the Royals.

This would be Kennedy’s second stint with Arizona -- he pitched for the D-backs from 2010-13, including the finest season of his career in ’11, when he won a National League-high 21 games with a 2.88 ERA over 33 starts.

Arizona acquired Kennedy the first time from the Yankees as part of a three-team deal that also included the Tigers – it was the 2009 trade in which the D-backs sent Max Scherzer to the Tigers and Detroit sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees.

The D-backs traded Kennedy to the Padres during the 2013 season, and he pitched for San Diego through ’15, before signing as a free agent with Kansas City.