Miami is expected to pursue starting pitching at the Winter Meetings and the club is reportedly interested in Ian Kennedy, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.
Heyman adds the Marlins were initially interested in John Lackey before he agreed to sign with the Cubs on Friday afternoon.
The Marlins, after non-tendering Henderson Alvarez, are likely to add at least one starting pitcher this winter to complement Jose Fernandez, Jarred Cosart and Tom Koehler in the rotation. While there have been rumors suggesting the Marlins have considered moving Fernandez, Heyman notes the club is not likely to do so.
Kennedy, 30, would make sense for the Marlins since he has a notable amount of experience. He pitched to a 4.28 ERA and 4.51 FIP over 168.1 innings with the Padres last season. He has tossed at least 165.0 innings in each of the last six seasons and would likely prove to be the top of the rotation arm the Marlins are seeking.
Although he made $9.8 million with San Diego, Kennedy might still be a relatively affordable option. The market for starting pitching is starting to evolve and the Marlins could consider adding a pair of starters in that price range.
Lackey would have been a valuable addition to Miami's rotation, but Kennedy could also be ineffective. The Marlins are likely only beginning their starting pitching search at this point.