MLB: Where will Howie Kendrick play in 2018?

Veteran free agent Howie Kendrick enters this offseason in search of a new home. Which teams might be a match for the 34-year-old utility man?

For years, Howie Kendrick provided the Los Angeles Angels with steady offense as their starting second baseman. Over the nine seasons he spent with the Angels, Kendrick slashed .292/.332/.424 while posting a positive WAR on defense.

Then the Angels traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Andrew Heaney. They haven’t found a viable replacement since, but that’s their problem.

Kendrick, meanwhile, has become more than a second baseman. Beginning with his time as a Dodger, Kendrick played more outfield and developed into a utility option capable of playing multiple positions. This continued in 2017 with the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals. Left field became his primary position in this most recent season as Kendrick continued to show both teams what he’s capable of.

Next year, Kendrick should find a home with another franchise in a utility role. While he’s not progressing like Marwin Gonzalez or as great as Ben Zobrist during his best years, Kendrick is someone lots of teams should look at to fill in as needed. Whether he plays one position for most of the year or swaps spots throughout, there is a home for Kendrick next season.

Where will it be, though?

Is Kendrick destined to play for a non-contender? Or are those teams with serious playoff aspirations ready to sign the veteran utility man after a productive, albeit injury-spoiled season?

Within a few months, we’ll know which city’s name will appear on the front of his jersey. For now, let’s expect these three teams to make a run at handing him a contract.