RADIO
The San Diego Padres have extended the $15.8 million qualifying offer to outfielder Justin Upton and starting pitcher Ian Kennedy, according to Padres beat writer Corey Brock.
#Padres will make qualifying offer to J-Up; leaning toward yes on IPK. https://t.co/Kc7pkrAvIp
— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) November 5, 2015
Over his nine-year career, Upton, 28, has spent time with three teams, the Diamondbacks, Braves, and Padres. During his one-year with the Padres, Upton hit .251/.336/.454 with 26 home runs and 81 runs batted in. He fell one stolen base short of a 20-20 season, nabbing 19 bases. The four-time All-Star was primarily used as a left fielder over the past three years but has proven to be an effective fielder as well.
At age-28, Upton projects to be one of the premier talents available via free agency, regardless of the qualifying offer tied to him. He is one of the younger free agent outfielders with a track record of success at the major league level.
Kennedy, 30, is a slight surprise to receive a qualifying offer, but he has a strong showing of health in his nine-year career. Last year, Kennedy pitched to a 9-15 record with a 4.28 ERA. He pitched 168.1 innings and struck out 174. While he did have an advantageous home ballpark in Petco Park, his 2015 splits indicate he was equally effective on the road. Kennedy can point to a track record of durability, regularly pitching in 181.0 innings or more from 2010 to 2014.
Upton is expected to reject the qualifying offer and receive a substantial contract this offseason. Kennedy may accept the qualifying offer, but it is unlikely.
