Report: Dodgers would prefer draft pick over re-signing Howie Kendrick
The Los Angeles Dodgers might have extended Howie Kendrick a qualifying offer, but that doesn't suggest that they wanted him to return for another season at second base.
After re-signing Chase Utley and acquiring touted prospect Micah Johnson in addition to having utility man Kike Hernandez as an option at the position, the Dodgers reportedly are more interested in landing a draft pick than bringing back Kendrick.
From the Los Angeles Times:
The Dodgers want the draft pick they would get if Kendrick signs elsewhere much more than they want to bring back Kendrick. That would give them four draft picks before the start of the second round. But the Kendrick pick evaporates if he does not sign before the draft; Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales held out that long two years ago. Kendrick is not represented by Scott Boras, the agent for Drew and Morales.
In his first season with the Dodgers, after being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Kendrick proved to be a solid option as expected at second base, hitting .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs and 54 RBI, posting a .990 fielding percentage in complement.
Los Angeles extended the 32-year-old infielder a one-year qualifying offer after the season, but he declined it, which grants the Dodgers a draft pick if he signs with another club before the amateur draft in June.
With ample options at second in place and the Dodgers' front office narrowing their sights on creating a financially-efficient and self-sustaining organization, passing on Kendrick – despite his consistency in the field and at the plate – would be in line with their vision.
