D-backs discussing free-agent Kendrick as option at second base
FOXSports.com MLB Insider Jon Paul Morosi is reporting that the Diamondbacks are having ongoing discussions with free-agent second baseman Howie Kendrick, most recently of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Morosi, citing major-league sources, says no deal is close.
Kendrick, 32, is a .293 career hitter who has spent most of his 10-year major-league career with the Los Angeles Angels. He became a free agent after rejecting a one-year $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Dodgers. He hit .295 with nine home runs for the Dodgers last season while earning $9.5 million. He's hit .279 or better in each season of his career.
Chris Owings, who moved from shortstop to second base in 2015, is the Diamondbacks' incumbent second baseman. He's coming off a down season in which he hit .227 in 147 games.
Veteran Aaron Hill, minor-league prospect Brandon Drury and utility infielder Phil Gosselin are also internal candidates to play second base.
General manager Dave Stewart told Steve Gilbert of mlb.com that the Diamondbacks are reluctant to give up the 37th pick (Competitive Balance Round A) in the 2016 Draft, which would be required if they signed Kendrick. The team is already without its first-round pick (13th overall) as a result of signing free agent pitcher Zack Greinke.
"We're not going to give up the pick," Stewart said. "It's just tough after we've already given up our first pick. To give up our top two picks, that would be difficult for us to do."
