Entering the offseason, Howie Kendrick was among the players expected to receive and decline the qualifying offer. The Los Angeles Dodgers extended qualifying offers to three of their four eligible players — Brett Anderson, Zack Greinke and Howie Kendrick.
Jimmy Rollins did not receive a qualifying offer, and Greinke and Kendrick declined theirs. While Greinke went on to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks, free agency was not nearly as kind for Kendrick.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, once a player declines a qualifying offer any other team who signs said player must forfeit their highest draft pick; top-10 picks are protected and in that event, a club’s next-highest pick is forfeited.
This undeniably hamstrung the market for the 32-year-old Kendrick, who reportedly was seeking a four-year contract when free agency began.
He didn’t receive that, but signed a two-year deal with the Dodgers on Thursday. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, Kendrick was surprised by how the offseason unfolded:
“I figured there would be quite a few suitors for me, and nobody was really calling. Here it is, getting close to spring training, and you keep hearing the same thing over and over. Nobody wanted to give up that draft pick. It was a shocker.”
The current system has seen quality players such as Dexter Fowler and Yovani Gallardo still without a contract as Spring Training nears. Kendrick, like others, believes a change is needed:
“When you get to free agency, you’re supposed to be a free agent,” Kendrick said. “Now, with this qualifying offer, teams are trying to decide: Do I make my major league team better or minor league system better? It forces teams to make a choice, and it’s hurting everybody. There are a lot of good players out there who can help teams. It’s such a strange market.”
Prior to Kendrick re-signing, he received some interest from the Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals. However, Washington signed Daniel Murphy to a three-year, $37.5 million contract, and the Diamondbacks were hesitant to lose another draft pick.
Although the offseason did not go as anticipated for Kendrick, he’s pleased to remain in Los Angeles:
“I’m thankful for the Dodgers,” Kendrick said, “and I’m glad I’m going back, but I just never thought free agency would be like this. It’s tough when you know what type of player you are, knowing you can play and help win ballgames for your team but not get any knocks on the door.”
Kendrick batted .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs, 54 RBIs, a .325 wOBA and 109 wRC+ in 117 games last season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said there’s a possibility Kendrick will receive playing time at third base this season.
