Toronto Blue Jays Interested In Howie Kendrick?

The Toronto Blue Jays appear to be interested in Los Angeles Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, though it’s not known if the two teams are seriously discussing a trade.

The Los Angeles Angels will reportedly listen to offers for Howie Kendrick, and though it’s early in the offseason, one team to watch here could be the Toronto Blue Jays, who called LA a few times this year inquiring about Kendrick’s availability. While it doesn’t appear like a trade is imminent or even likely, it’s clear the Jays are genuinely interested in discussing a deal for the second baseman.

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Kendrick is due to make $9.5 million for the 2015 MLB season, which is pretty reasonable if he gives a team anything close to the production he’s given the Angels since 2007. In his worst season (2010), Kendrick hit 10 home runs, stole 14 bases, slashed .279/.313/.407, and was worth 1.8 fWAR, which is still decent for an everyday second baseman. Since 2010 though, he’s been worth a total of 16.1 fWAR across the four seasons, including an elite 2011 season (5.7 fWAR, 18 home runs) and 4.6 wins above replacement with seven home runs just last year.

But Kendrick is a free agent after the season, and the Angels are willing to deal him for a cheaper or more cost-controlled players, particularly starting pitching or left-handed relief. For the Jays, Kendrick is a monster upgrade at second for the Jays, who have had a bit of a revolving door at the position, particularly in 2014, which saw Toronto use Ryan Goins, Brett Lawrie, and Munenori Kawasaki, and none of them seized the job (and the latter two are expected to depart via free agency).

If there’s a trade match between the two teams, it could be a solid chance for both teams to upgrade weak areas.

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