It looks like Operation Transport-Los-Angeles-To-Phoenix may be in full effect for the Diamondbacks this winter.
After signing ace right-hander Zack Greinke to a bank-breaking six-year, $206.5 million earlier this month, Arizona has reportedly explored the possibility of signing one of Greinke’s former Dodger teammates as well.
According to a report on Wednesday by Nick Piecoro of AZCentral, the club has spoken to free agent second baseman Howie Kendrick about a potential deal.
Piecoro also mentioned, however, that Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart did not sound optimistic about signing Kendrick. Stewart reportedly said, “I just don’t know how far we’re going to get down the road with that.” The 32-year-old infielder comes attached with draft pick compensation, and Stewart appears to be reluctant on that front after already surrendering one to sign Greinke.
Kendrick batted .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs and 54 RBIs for the Dodgers last season. He never seemed to warm up to the Dodgers faithful and appears to be on his way out of Los Angeles anyway. Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi said on Wednesday that the team is content moving forward with the Chase Utley/Enrique Hernandez duo at second base, per Eric Stephen of True Blue LA.
Farhan Zaidi asked if interested in Howie Kendrick return: "The way things are right now, we feel we're pretty set at 2B with Chase & Kiké"
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) December 30, 2015
The addition of Kendrick to the Arizona lineup would give them a contact hitter to complement slugger Paul Goldschmidt, above-average defense, and a noticeable upgrade over the current second-base platoon of Chris Owings and Aaron Hill.
The Diamondbacks, who were also linked to Brandon Phillips earlier this month, definitely appear to be in the market for a second baseman. Whether that second baseman ultimately winds up being Kendrick remains to be seen.
H/T Rotoworld
