Five MLB free agents who could have qualifying offer issues

Howie Kendrick

Unlike Ian Desmond, Howie Kendrick is coming off of another solid year at the keystone. Kendrick did fight through some injuries in 2015, but ultimately he turned in a consistent campaign last season while posting .295/.336/.409 slash line, nine home runs, and 54 RBI despite playing in just 117 games.

One area where Kendrick did slip was defensively. After being a solid performer at second for years, Kendrick fell off the map in 2015. Advanced metrics paint Kendrick as less that mediocre, with the veteran posting a -6.0 UZR/150 and a -12 Defensive Runs Saved with the Dodgers.

The biggest issue for Kendrick is potential matches just don’t exist. The New York Yankees entered the winter as the biggest potential match, but they solved their need by acquiring Starlin Castro last month. Likewise, the Mets acquired a pair of infielders by inking Asdrubal Cabrera and landing Neil Walker in a trade.

Of the teams that still have a need in the position, the Kansas City Royals make the most sense. However, Kansas City has limited resources available at this point in the winter and may desire to find a rotation piece before upgrading at second base.

Kendrick’s best option may be to re-sign with the Dodgers on a one-year deal. Los Angeles still could look for a platoon partner for Chase Utley, especially after the former All-Star had a less than stellar showing last season. Kendrick could feasibly reset his value with a solid outing in 2016 and potentially re-enter the market without the weight of a qualifying offer looming over his head.

Next: Ian Kennedy - Starting Pitcher