Sources: Dodgers exploring trade of Howie Kendrick
SCOTTSDALE, Az. — As the Dodgers reconfigure their roster, Howie Kendrick could be one of their odd men out.
The Dodgers are exploring a trade of Kendrick, who grew frustrated with his role last season, according to major-league sources.
Only four Dodgers had more at-bats than Kendrick during the regular season — Corey Seager, Adrian Gonzalez, Justin Turner and Chase Utley.
But Kendrick, 33, played left field more than any position, including second base, where he had spent most of his career. He also made starts at first and third.
The Phillies are one possible landing spot for Kendrick, sources say — the Phils are looking for short-term upgrades, and their general manager, Matt Klentak, was the Angels’ assistant GM during the latter part of Kendrick’s tenure in Anaheim.
The Angels, seeking a second baseman, also could be in play for Kendrick, who will earn $10 million next season in the second year of a two-year contract that he signed with the Dodgers last Feb. 4.
The Dodgers rescued Kendrick from a trying free agency after he was unable to secure a better deal on the open market, in part due to the qualifying offer that he received from the club.
Kendrick returned to the Dodgers with the understanding that he would be used at multiple positions, but not all players find it easy to adapt to such roles.
His playing time also diminished in the postseason, with the Dodgers using the left-handed hitting Andrew Toles in left field against right-handed pitching. Kendrick, a right-handed hitter, started only three of the team’s 11 postseason games.
During the regular season, Kendrick batted .255 with a .691 OPS in 487 at-bats — production well below his career averages.
