Phillies acquire Gibson, Kennedy from Rangers in 6-player deal

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired starting pitcher Kyle Gibson and reliever Ian Kennedy from the Texas Rangers as part of a six-player trade, the team announced Friday.

In exchange for Gibson, Kennedy, and pitching prospect Hans Crouse, the Rangers received right-hander Spencer Howard as well as pitching prospects Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner.

The Phillies also received $4 million from Texas, according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic.

Gibson, who's under contract through next season, was a first-time All-Star this summer. The 33-year-old owns a career-best 2.87 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and 1.18 WHIP across 19 starts with Texas, though he's struck out just 94 batters.

Kennedy, 36, owns a 2.51 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 16 saves across 32 relief appearances this campaign. The 15-year veteran has struck out 35 batters while walking just seven and allowing five home runs.

Howard was one of the Phillies' top prospects prior to his big-league debut last summer. The 25-year-old has bounced between the rotation and bullpen this season, sporting a 5.72 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 17 walks across 11 appearances (seven starts). He could potentially start full time for the rebuilding Rangers.

Gowdy, 23, was the Phillies' second-round pick in 2016 but has pitched just 42 games and missed two full seasons (plus the 2020 pandemic year). He owns a 4.43 ERA in 61 innings at High-A Jersey Shore.

Gessner, a 21-year-old Australian, owns a 1.17 ERA with 14 strikeouts and three walks with the Phillies' rookie ball affiliate.

Crouse, 22, was ranked as the Rangers' No. 9 prospect by MLB.com prior to the trade. This season, he owns a 3.35 ERA with 54 strikeouts and 19 walks in 13 starts at Double-A Frisco.