Howie Kendrick’s name has been popular on the rumor circuit this week, and Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports now reports that the veteran would prefer to be traded to a team that can give him a more regular role than the Dodgers did in 2016. FOX’s Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this week that the Dodgers were exploring possible Kendrick trades and that Kendrick was frustrated by his usage in Los Angeles, but Heyman’s report takes the story a bit further.
According to Heyman, Kendrick isn’t opposed to playing multiple positions in 2017 as he did in 2016 when he played second base, left field, third base and first base in L.A., but he’d prefer more regular at-bats. Kendrick played in 146 games and totaled 543 plate appearances last year, but that averages out to about 3.7 plate appearances per game — a notable decrease from the 4.2 PAs he averaged per game from 2010-15 with the Angels. There appears to be an opening at second base for Kendrick to return to his primary role next season, but Heyman notes that many in the game expect the Dodgers to re-sign Chase Utley, which would again cut into Kendrick’s playing time.
Of course, Kendrick’s own diminished performance may have played a role in his decrease in plate appearances. From 2010-15, Kendrick batted .289/.332/.418 as a member of the Angels — production that was about 11 percent better than the league average over that span, per OPS+. Last year, in a season in which offense was up league-wide, Kendrick’s production fell off to .255/.322/.366 — about 10 percent below the league average in terms of OPS+. He also received negative defensive marks at second base for the second straight season, although his work there came in a limited sample of just 210 innings. Kendrick also graded out average or slightly above in left field, depending on your defensive metric of choice.
With one year and $10MM remaining on his deal, Kendrick should still hold some degree of trade appeal. Rosenthal’s report listed the Phillies and Angels as possible landing spots, and Heyman points out that the Royals, too, could look for upgrades at second base. I’ll add, though, that if the Royals are going to add someone making $10MM to the books next year, they’ll probably have to subtract some salary as well, as GM Dayton Moore has said on multiple occasions that the team’s payroll is likelier to regress than to increase next year.
It should also be pointed out that the market for Kendrick needn’t be limited only to teams with second base openings. The Rangers, for instance, will lose a pair of outfielders in Carlos Gomez and Ian Desmond as well as first baseman Mitch Moreland, which could create multiple openings that Kendrick could fill. The Mets could use Kendrick in a variety of roles — a platoon bat in the outfield and insurance for David Wright, Lucas Duda and Jose Reyes around the infield. Other teams with corner outfield openings as well as some potential infield work include the Blue Jays, Indians and White Sox (though GM Rick Hahn’s recent comments may suggest that Chicago isn’t going to be adding a short-term veteran such as Kendrick). All of that, of course, is purely speculation on my behalf, but a player with Kendrick’s track record and versatility should pique the interest of many teams, especially if he’s indeed open to a utility role that affords him more at-bats, as Heyman indicated.
If Ian Desmond is considered a candidate for the braves then Kendrick could be the poor mans Desmond for us too.
Meh.. I am much happier with a Rio/Adonis platoon. It will most likely equal or pass the production Howie can provide.
I really like the idea of Kendrick heading to the Mets if Walker leaves.
You think the Dodgers would take Lugo or Gsellman for Kendrick and cash?
I think the Dodgers would jump at that deal.
Kendrick is a tough player to read in terms of value. I also don’t see the Mets trading offering a SP with so little service time. But then again I also don’t see Walker leaving.
Can’t say I blame him. Lost his spot to old man Utley
Probably cost him offensively, but on the bright side, he proved his ability to play multiple positions, which helps a player’s marketability, especially as they age.
Yeah…pathetic to be beaten out by him. In Utley’s prime, which was so long ago, he was a great 2B. He was always more offensive than defensive, clearly. To be beaten out by Utley now is absolutely terrible. Kendrick should apologize to fans if he can’t beat out an old, broken down Chase Utley. It’s not like Utley is a Hall of Famer (sorry Phillies fans) so Kendrick should be embarrassed.
You must have a Chase Utley shrine in your closet. I know Utley used to be a stud, but he seemed to be very much on the decline. 3 straight seasons of barely crossing the Mendoza line prior to 2016, albeit in limited plate appearances.
Since we’re being smug, it’s not like they signed Howie Kendrick to a 2 yr./20 mil contract or that he’s a career .289 hitter.
Have to agree with BlueSkyLA, though, he has shown versatility now.
Not sure Walker is leaving the Mets. He was offered the 17.2 QO and has lingering back issues and is getting older. Just my opinion but the Mets have no need for him since Walker stays. Like the idea of Kendrick to the Rangers. Nice article
His versatility and ability to hit for average would play well with TEX and BOS. Not a fan of either of those teams but would like to see Howie play for another team that’s likely to get to the postseason.
Lol play well in Boston? Guess you didn’t read the article , he wants to play everyday and get more at bats, explain how that fits with Boston . Diminishing skill set
It doesn’t matter what he wants since he doesn’t have a no trade clause. LA doesn’t have to trade him to a team where he’ll be an everyday starter. Kendrick can by 1B, 2B, 3B, and the OF.
One thing about Howie is he can hit, he would be a good addition to a contender that needs a utility man
OK with Kendrick leaving – prefer to see him go in a package deal for a younger third baseman so they wouldn’t have to try and resign an aging Turner; first two choices would be Kyle Seager from the M’s or maybe Trevor Plouffe from the Twins. Seager would be expensive but would be additional security in keeping his brother happy whereas Plouffe would be an affordable option and a good fit in th NL
Cory and Kyle on the same side of an infield has a certain awesomeness character to it, but it won’t pass the sniff test. Kyle is signed for basically the rest of his career in Seattle. I can’t see the Dodgers taking on that sort of commitment, even if the M’s were open to letting him go, which seems unlikely.