Blue Jays Increase Interest in Angels 2B Kendrick

Howie Kendrick has been a name the Toronto Blue Jays have been interested in for some time, an interest that could lead to a potential for the Anaheim Angels 2B

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As of now, the Toronto Blue Jays’ options at second base (Ryan Goins, Jonathan Diaz, Macier Izturis) are about as appealing as eating a sat-upon Snickers bar, which is why the franchise is making an upgrade of the position a priority this offseason.

For some time, the Blue Jays have shown a particular interest in Los Angeles Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, an interest that could lead to the two teams pulling the trigger on a deal, provided Toronto isn’t one of the four unknown teams that Kendrick can use his veto power upon. The Jays are hoping that’s not case, considering their second basemen ranked 21st in the majors with a .634 OPS.

Kendrick batted .293 with seven homers and a .744 OPS last season while playing in 157 games. He also has a $9.5 million salary that won’t force the Blue Jays to hesitate upon. Kendrick’s value to the Angels has decreased a bit since he will be a free agent after the 2015 season and the team has two viable options at the position in the form of Grant Green and Gordon Beckham.

Failing a trade for Kendrick, the Blue Jays will look at the free agent market, where Asdrubal Cabrera and Luis Valbuena will be attractive choices. Cabrera’s power (14 homers last season) would be a good fit for the homer-happy Jays, while Valbuena brings the ability of playing multiple positions.

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