With the noise of the offseason dulling to a halt as we approach Spring Training, news on Friday morning of the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly making progress to re-sign Howie Kendrick came as a surprise.
Ever since the 2015 season ended, it appeared Kendrick’s chances of returning to the Dodgers were slim for a number of reasons. For starters, allowing him to sign elsewhere would mean the Dodgers receive a compensation pick due to his previously rejecting their qualifying offer.
However, that was contingent on Kendrick signing with a club prior to the 2016 draft. Aside from Los Angeles potentially adding a compensation pick, there’s the presence of Kiké Hernandez and Chase Utley.
While Hernandez returns by virtue of being under team control, Utley was re-signed to a one-year, $7 million contract.
So, why would the Dodgers considering re-signing Howie Kendrick? Well, why not?
At the moment, their second base platoon of Hernandez and Utley is projected to combine for 2.1 WAR, per Steamer’s projections. It should be noted the number isn’t completely accurate as it includes projected at-bats that Hernandez will see in the outfield.
At the moment, Kendrick is projected to provide a 2.4 WAR, which is the 13th-highest mark among second basemen. So no, the Dodgers don’t need another second baseman, but at the same time, Kendrick is an upgrade — even if it’s a minor one.
A second argument could be made for the depth Kendrick’s signing would provide — particularly at third base with Justin Turner returning from microfracture surgery on his left knee.
Adding Kendrick would allow Utley to slide over to third on days when Turner may be unavailable. Furthermore, it would provide the Dodgers with an excellent insurance policy should anyone else get injured.
Having Utley as your starting second baseman — even in a platoon — is a scary proposition. But having him as your first infielder off the bench? Not too shabby, even if the cost is $7 million for one season.
Of course, none of this is a sure thing. Perhaps the Dodgers are bluffing so another team will sign Kendrick prior to the draft. Maybe Los Angeles is attempting to bait the rival Arizona Diamondbacks, who reportedly have some interest, into increasing their offer.
Or maybe, just maybe, the possibility of adding a slightly better player to an already-deep roster just seems like a good idea.
So, should the Dodgers re-sign Kendrick? Sure, why not?
