Rosenthal: Return to Dodgers could be an option for unsigned Howie Kendrick
Howie Kendrick remains unsigned with spring training just a few weeks away. But a reunion with the Los Angeles Dodgers could be a possibility, according to FOX Sports Insider Ken Rosenthal.
Sources: #Dodgers making progress with Kendrick.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
Sources: #Dodgers considering Kendrick. Not ideal fit with Kiké, Utley at 2B. Greater need for depth at 3B; Turner coming off knee surgery.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
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
Kendrick rejected the Dodgers' qualifying offer (worth $15.8 million for the 2016 season) in November, making him a free agent. However, his value on the open market likely has been affected by the fact that any team that signs him must give the Dodgers a draft pick as compensation.
Kendrick, 32, hit .295/.336/.409 with nine homers and 54 RBI in 117 games in his first season with the Dodgers in 2015. He spent the previous nine seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Dodgers currently plan to use veteran Chase Utley and 24-year-old Enrique Hernandez at second base.
Return of Kendrick, if it happens, will give #Dodgers an excellent bench - Hernandez, Utley, Ellis, Van Slyke, Ethier.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2016
Three other players who turned down qualifying offers from their previous teams also remain unsigned: shortstop Ian Desmond, right-hander Yovani Gallardo and outfielder Dexter Fowler.
