New York Yankees: Could Howie Kendrick be a trade target?
By Jason Evans
Could the New York Yankees pursue Philadelphia Phillies infielder/outifielder Howie Kendrick as a trade target before the deadline?
Even though they are on a disaster of west coast trip right now, the New York Yankees still have a lead in the American League East and will still be buyers come the trade deadline. They could use some pitching upgrades. The return of closer Aroldis Chapman will help restore order to the bullpen a bit. The starting rotation took a hit with CC Sabathia injuring his hamstring and they will look to upgrade there as well.
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They could even decide to add a bat for some depth. While Chase Headley and Chris Carter have each rebounded, how much can they really be counted on? With Greg Bird‘s rehab on pause and possible injury to top prospect Gleyber Torres, maybe they can go outside the organization for an extra bat.
With that in mind, could Howie Kendrick be that bat? Maybe.
"3. Howie Kendrick, 2B/LF, Phillies — Kendrick is an emerging trade chip as an attractive righthanded bat. I asked Phillies folks whether Kendrick could be considered a third base option for a contender, and the answers were in the negative. But given his infield instincts one scout said, “He can get in front of it, knock it down, and make the throw. I’ll bet you could get by with him there and you’d take the chance because of his bat. But at this stage he’s better off in left field.” Kendrick did play 17 games at third base last season and made just one error. Lately he’s been seen taking ground balls at third. If he could play third, the Yankees and Red Sox would have interest."
If Kendrick can play third decently enough, along with second and first and patrol the outfield, he could be a valuable piece for the New York Yankees, even off the bench.
He’s been pretty good offensively thus far this year. In 26 games, he’s hitting .317 with an .844 OPS and an OPS + of 124. He’s also an expiring contract and making $10 million this season.
Kendrick has been a Yankee killer in his career. In 61 games against the Bronx Bombers, he’s hit .346 with an .891 OPS.
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Can Kendrick’s success continue? Thus far, his walk rate is down one percent, while his K rate is up three percent. He’s also had a BABIP of .395.
The Yankees do have depth in their upper minors. If they want an extra infield bat they could turn to Tyler Wade and they certainly have outfield depth in the upper minors with Dustin Fowler and Clint Frazier.
However, if they decide to go the veteran route to help on the corners, depending on the cost, Kendrick could be a pretty good fit.