The Dodgers announced today that they have traded INF/OF Howie Kendrick to the Phillies for Darnell Sweeney and Darin Ruf
With the Dodgers in search of right-handed bats, MLB Trade Rumors reported the team traded one away on Friday with Howie Kendrick heading to Philadelphia.
It had become apparent of over the last week that a trade was likely after reports surfaced that Kendrick had felt disenfranchised with his with his role in 2016.
Kendrick’s discontent certainly comes as something of a surprise as it was reported a the time of his signing this past off-season that Kendrick was informed he would be utilized in a number of roles this season. There were also reports that Kendrick had grown to prefer playing the outfield over has natural position at 2b.
Sources: #Dodgers exploring a trade of Howie Kendrick. Story:... https://t.co/9xqrxMrVOV
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 8, 2016
In all, over two seasons with the team, Kendrick compiled a .295/.336/.409 slash line with 9 homeruns good for a 108 OPS+. However, that slightly above average offensive production was only barely able to overcome Kendrick’s short comings on defense.
Once considered a strong defender at 2b, Kendrick’s glove took a big step back in 2015 with DRS crediting him as 15 runs below average. Kendrick’s flexibility and reliability however, made him a solid player for the Dodgers.
More from Dodgers Way
- Are Giants falling off and joining Dodgers at back of Carlos Correa chase?
- Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
- Don’t hold your breath on Dodgers making Justin Turner decision soon
- Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft
- Dodgers ironically sign former all-star to potentially replace Cody Bellinger
In return, the team will receive INF Darnell Sweeney and 1b/OF Darin Ruf. Sweeney, recently a top prospect in the teams’ system is a switch hitting second baseman.
Sweeney in his first year in the majors managed just a .176/.286/.353 slash line with 3 homeruns in 98 plate appearances with the Phillies. Ruf, once considered the Phillies first baseman of the future, never quite put it together with the Phillies.
In parts of 5 seasons with the Phillies, Ruf compiled a .245/.323/.445 slash line with 32 homeruns.
There is a little bit of pop there and he has had some success against left handed pitching so Ruf may get a chance to compete for a bench spot in Spring Training.
From the outside this transaction appears to be a simple reallocation of resources. The Dodgers are known to be in the market for impact right handed bats this off-season and while neither of the players the team received for Kendrick represent that, this move clears the $10m owed to Kendrick this season as well as the playing time he would have demanded.
Next: Why the Dodgers Should Consider Mark Melancon
This move may not offer much in isolation, however it should allow the Dodgers to make a bigger splash later in the off-season.