In similar fashion to what transpired with available starting pitchers this offseason, the free-agent market for position players has progressed slowly.
While the likes of Chris Davis, Daniel Murphy and Justin Upton having come off the board, a few big name free agents remain unsigned, most notably Yoenis Cespedes and former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick.
Despite his wishing that it be the case, Kendrick re-signing with the Dodgers appears unlikely as general manager stated last month the club is set at second base with Chase Utley and Kike Hernandez.
However, there appears a possibility Kendrick will remain in the National League West. The Arizona Diamondbacks have been linked recently to the 32 year old as second base is an area they would benefit from upgrading at.
Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said the club wouldn’t sign a player who was extended a qualifying offer and thus cost Arizona to forfeit a draft pick. That the being said, the D-Backs are shopping their second baseman, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports:
The #Dbacks are active in trade talks trying to move a 2B, which could clear room to sign FA Howie Kendrick
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2016
While Arizona be holding talks to move a second baseman, it hasn’t necessarily changed their stance on signing Kendrick, via Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Sources: #DBacks still reluctant to give up second pick (currently No. 39) for Howie Kendrick. Believe Owings will bounce back offensively.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 21, 2016
Kendrick hit .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs, 54 RBIs, a .325 wOBA and 109 wRC+ in 117 games. The 32 year old missed 34 games over August and September due to a strained left hamstring.
The Diamondbacks current options at second base are Chris Owings, who batted .227 in 147 games last season, and veteran Aaron Hill, who batted .230, but will make $12 million in 2016 before becoming a free agent after the season.
