MLB Trade: Dodgers send Howie Kendrick to Phillies

Howie Kendrick has been traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Philadelphia Phillies. Could LA make a play on Yoenis Cespedes?

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Howie Kendrick from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier this week, reports surfaced Kendrick was seeking a trade and now his wish has been granted. In exchange for Kendrick, the Dodgers receive first baseman Darin Ruf and second baseman Darnell Sweeney.

Kendrick was seeking a trade to a team that could give him regular playing time and he was not opposed to playing multiple positions. In 2016, Kendrick appeared in 146 games for the Dodgers, starting 79 in left field, 23 at second base, 14 at third base, and seven at first base. The 11-year veteran batted .255/.326/.366 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs.

The Dodgers receive two relatively untested players in return for Kendrick. Ruf has played 286 games in the big leagues and has batted .240/.314/.433 with 35 home runs. Sweeney played 35 games for the Phillies in 2015, batting .176 with three home runs. Sweeney was previously acquired by the Phillies in the trade that sent Chase Utley to LA.

For the Dodgers, the trade appears to be all about moving Kendrick’s contract off the active roster. He is owed $10 million for the 2017 season. Kendrick’s defense has declined at second base to the point where he is no longer a viable option at the position. In the outfield, he is slightly above average but does not hit for the type of power expected from a corner position.

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The trade has created an opening in the Dodgers starting lineup and could allow them to pursue free-agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Joc Pederson is the only guarantee in center field. Cespedes could be slotted into left field, especially if the front office is able to find a taker for Yasiel Puig or Andre Ethier. Cespedes would certainly fill a need for the Dodgers and help them stay atop the NL West.