Howie Kendrick
Bats: Right — Throws: Right
Position: Second Base
Born: July 12, 1983 (Age 32)
I have heard many people say that former Angels and Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick is the right-handed Daniel Murphy. While I disagree on some levels, I can absolutely see where they are coming from.
Kendrick has been one of the most consistent hitters in the majors, and at second base, that is a very valuable commodity. In 10 years (2006-2015), he has a solid .293/.333/.423 slash line, as well as a .329 wOBA and 108 wRC+.
This past season was more of the same form the 32 year old, as he slashed .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs, 22 doubles, six stolen bases, and 54 RBI. He produced a 2.4 fWAR playing second for the Dodgers this season and is projected for the same production by Steamer in 2016.
Once a top tier defender at second base, he’s regressed over the years and in 2015 he had an appalling -12 DRS and -4.5 UZR, his worst season ever.
There’s not much else to say about this guy, what you see is what you get. He rarely gets injured and often gets on base. Of course, the question is, “Do the Mets need him?” That depends on the shortstop situation.
If the Mets opt to go with Wilmer Flores at short and Murphy walks, that leaves Dilson Herrera as the in-house solution at second base. Whether or not the Mets go after Kendrick depends on how invested they are in Herrera.
However, if the Mets pursue an outside solution at shortstop, Flores will probably slide over to second base and share some playing time with Herrera, leaving no room for Kendrick.
Contract: Kendrick will probably receive something in the range of a four-year deal worth $48 million. He will be 32 for the entirety of next season, so this contract would take him through his age 35 campaign. He turned down a qualifying offer earlier in November, so the Mets would need to forfeit their first round draft pick for the second consecutive year.
Recommendation: Pass. We have plenty of other options that satisfy our infield needs that won’t cost $12M per year plus a pick. He is a great player, but I don’t want to be paying a 35-year old Kendrick when current organizational top prospects will be ready.
