The Los Angeles Dodgers kept busy on the eve of Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings by reportedly striking two agreements and holding trade talks with the Cincinnati Reds for closer Aroldis Chapman, and the Miami Marlins for Jose Fernandez.
As for free agency, Chase Utley is believed to have agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers.
Additionally, Hisashi Iwakuma and the Dodgers reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year deal.
Iwakuma and Utley figure to help the Dodgers address their respective needs in the starting rotation and at second base/infield depth, though neither additions are the lone answer.
However, one full-time option at second base does not appear to be Howie Kendrick, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
The Dodgers’ regular second baseman, Howie Kendrick, became a free agent and Los Angeles does not have intention to bring him back.
Last season was Kendrick’s first with the Dodgers. He was acquired from the Los Angeles Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for young lefty Andrew Heaney.
Despite time missed time in August and September due to a strained hamstring, Kendrick finished with a batting average above .290 for a third consecutive season. He hit .295/.336/.409 with nine home runs, 54 RBIs and a 109 wRC+ in 117 games.
After the Dodgers were eliminated from the National League Division Series, Kendrick said re-signing with Los Angeles was something he would strongly consider.
Kendrick expectedly declined the one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer. The 32-year-old second baseman reportedly is seeking a contract of at least four years in length.
Speaking from the Dave Roberts introductory press conference last week, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reiterated the club would be comfortable solving their need at second base with internal options Kiké Hernandez or Jose Peraza.
