Former Millville High School Star Buddy Kennedy Eyes Phillies'

When the Philadelphia Phillies head north to open the 2025 season, 2017 Millville High School alum, Buddy Kennedy might be coming with them.

Kennedy is a candidate for the final spot on the roster after Weston Wilson was diagnosed with a strained oblique. Wilson is expected to miss six weeks, leaving an opening for an Opening Day roster spot.

“Buddy comes into play a little bit more now,” Thomson told reporters.

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With Wilson out, Kennedy made an impression in his first Grapefruit League game, hitting a two-run homer against the Tigers on Saturday.

Kennedy was in the Phillies lineup on Saturday at first base and is back in the lineup on Sunday at second base. If Kennedy can show the Phillies he can play all over, including the outfield, as a super utility player, he might win that final spot on the 26-man roster.

Wilson was a virtual local to make the team with his right-handed bat and ability to play three infield positions and the corner outfield, something Kennedy has done just 11 times in the minor leagues, but never at the big league level. He did work with fellow Millville alum, Mike Trout, in the offseason on playing the outfield.

Kennedy played in eight games with the Phillies in 2024 after coming over from the Tigers organization. The 26-year-old has shown he can hit at the Triple-A level, but in 54 MLB games, he is slashing just .203/.295/.313 with two home runs and 19 RBI in 149 plate appearances.

One thing Kennedy has going for him is he is out of options, meaning if he does not make the team's Opening Day roster, they could lose him to another team looking for a versatile player.

Now Kennedy has an opening for a roster spot, which could land him in Washington against the Nationals on March 27 for Opening Day with the Phillies.