Why Not Howie Kendrick?

The two most versatile infield options are Ben Zobrist and Daniel Murphy. The Mets are rumored to be interested in Zobrist despite his declining production and his age. What’s surprising is the Mets aren’t even remotely linked to Howie Kendrick. 

Like the other two players, Howie Kendrick is a former All Star second baseman. While he doesn’t have their versatility, he has played some outfield and firstbase. Unlike Murphy and Zobrist, he bats right handed. He’s expected to receive a similar contract to Murphy and Zobrist. He’s slated for a four year deal worth $52 million or $13 million per year. He also rejected a qualifying offer. 

However, it is possible that Kendrick is the best secondbase option of the three players. Here’s how he compares to the other free agent second baseman:

Howie Kendrick

  • 31 years old
  • 10 year career
  • Career .293/.333/.423 
  • 2015 .295/.336/.407
  • UZR Average 3.13
  • 2015 UZR -4.5
  • Career WAR 28.6
  • 2015 WAR 1.1

Daniel Murphy

  • 30 years old
  • 7 year career
  • Career .288/.331/.424
  • 2015 .281/.322/.449
  • UZR Average -4.0
  • 2015 UZR -1.3
  • Career WAR 12.5
  • 2015 WAR 1.4

Ben Zobrist

  • 34 years old 
  • 10 year career 
  • Career .265/.355/.431 hitter
  • 2015 .276/.359/.450
  • UZR Average 3.3
  • 2015 UZR -6.7
  • Caree WAR 38.5
  • 2015 WAR 1.2

From all of this, we can glean that Zobrist has had the best career, but he’s also the oldest. Murphy’s only real edge is that he’s done it in New York, which is a market where we’ve seen many good players faulter. 

Like Murphy, Kendrick is in the prime of his career. Like Zobrist, Kendrick has shown himself to traditionally be a good second baseman.  In 2014, his UZR was 6.7, and he hit .294/.347/.397. If that’s the player the Mets would be getting, he would clearly be the best option.  However, after last year, you don’t know if Kendrick can still be that player.

There’s a case to be made for all three. Kendrick would be an interesting addition considering the Mets point go defense as a big reason why they lost the World Series. Unfortunately, it seems the Mets are only interested in Zobrist. 

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