UPDATE:
Source: Kendrick finalizing deal with #Dodgers.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
Sources: #Dodgers, Kendrick in agreement on two-year contract, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
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Earlier in the offseason Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi said the team was "pretty set" at second base. However, the latest rumors find the team is still interested in re-signing Howie Kendrick, who rejected the qualifying offer back in December.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Dodgers are "considering" Kendrick because the club has a "greater need for depth" at third base since the oft-injured Justin Turner is coming off knee surgery. He says the two sides are "making progress."
Los Angeles was hoping to get a compensatory draft pick for Kendrick, which would be the case if he signed elsewhere, but it appears as if there's a greater concern with the state of the team's infield.
If #Dodgers re-sign Kendrick, they will not get comp pick they would receive if he joined another club. Teams value pick in $5M-$8M range.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
#Dodgers must calculate whether value of pick plus a presumably discounted salary on Kendrick would bring sufficient return on investment.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
Previous rumors have also indicated the Arizona Diamondbacks were considering Kendrick in the event they could trade one of their infielders to make room for the veteran. However, D-Backs general manager Dave Stewart expressed an unwillingness to surrender another draft pick after signing Zack Greinke away from the Dodgers.
Kendrick has fallen victim to the stacked class of free agents this offseason in addition to being tied to draft pick compensation after turning down the qualifying offer. The 32-year-old missed some time due to injuries last season, but still hit .295/.336/.409 with 64 runs scored, 9 home runs and 54 RBI in 117 games.
It's been said the veteran is seeking a multi-year deal, and some experts have projected him to land a three-year contract in the $40 million range, but at this point it doesn't appear as if he'll be getting that kind of length/money, especially if he's considering re-joining the Dodgers, who already have a crowded infield.
The Dodgers already have one of the deepest rosters in the MLB, but adding Kendrick would make their lineup even more dangerous. Manager Dave Roberts is going to have a lot of options to work with heading into his first year as the team's skipper if Kendrick were to return to the team.
Stay tuned for updates on this development. A deal could get done as soon as today.
