5 more free agents the Philadelphia Phillies need to target

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 25: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals reacts to hitting a single in the eighth inning during Game 3 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, October 25, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

4. Howie Kendrick

The Phillies cut their third and second basemen at the non-tender deadline and have a first baseman who might be forced to play some left field depending on how well aging bat-for-hire Jay Bruce can handle playing every day in the outfield. What the Phillies need is a jack of all trades who can play multiple infield positions and outfield. Good thing former Phillie Howie Kendrick is a free agent.

Kendrick is coming off the best year of his career and was a hero the entire postseason. The 36-year-old hit .344/.395/.572 in 121 games last year for the Nationals with 23 doubles, 17 home runs and 62 RBI. He followed that up by hitting .286/.328/.444 with four doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI in 17 playoff games. Kendrick was the MVP of the NLCS and hit the deciding home run in the World Series. The 14-year veteran remains the definition of a professional hitter and looks prepared to hit .300 as long as his body holds up.

When they were looking for warm bodies to fill out the roster in 2017 during their rebuild, the Phillies were one of the few teams willing to give Kendrick a job. He battled injuries during his time with the team, but hit .340/.397/.454 in 39 games when healthy. At this point of his career, Kendrick may prize opportunities to play over a shot at a ring, as he just got one.

Every contender can use a player like Kendrick, and he will have no shortage of offers to mull over. He’s a fit for the Phillies, and they may be able to offer more at-bats than other teams. Philadelphia could also sweeten the deal by offering more than one season. A multi-year deal is gold for a player at this stage of his career.

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