Los Angeles Dodgers Biggest Offseason Mistakes This Winter
By Tim Boyle
Trading Howie Kendrick
Maybe the biggest mistake from the Dodgers offseason was one that didn’t seem very big at the time. By trading Howie Kendrick, the Dodgers opened themselves up to their biggest offseason storyline: their pursuit of a second baseman.
Kendrick had to find his place with the Dodgers last year. He did so by spending time the majority of his time in left field with starts at second base, first base, and third base as well. Second base had been his primary position prior to 2016, but due to Chase Utley’s presence, Kendrick had to become more of a utility man. Had the Dodgers held onto him, their attention could have been focused elsewhere.
Unfortunately, because the Dodgers traded Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies pretty early on this offseason, they have a huge hole to fill. At first, it wasn’t a bad move to shed some salary. Then, as time passed, it became worse. Considering they only received Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney back in return makes it one trade the Dodgers likely regret.
Perhaps the Dodgers thought they had a trade with the Minnesota Twins for Brian Dozier in the bag. Whatever their thoughts were, Los Angeles traded their best second base option within the franchise before finding an alternative. Now, the Dodgers must either make a trade or Enrique Hernandez unwarranted increase in his playing time.