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Detroit Tigers free agency primer: Howie Kendrick is ideal free agent addition

By Ben Rosener

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Howie Kendrick #4 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against of the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Howie Kendrick #4 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against of the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 18: Howie Kendrick #4 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 18, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 18: Howie Kendrick #4 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 18, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Prospects

We could see reliever Bryan Garcia or perhaps outfielder Mike Gerber earlier, but that’s about it.

The likes of Perez, Burrows, Long and Stewart are more likely to be in Detroit by the time the trade deadline rolls around at the earliest.

However, until then, the Detroit Tigers need stop-gap options.

Any stop-gap option the team signs or acquires needs to be on a short-term contract. That way there’s no financial burden and the player can be easily moved for more prospects in July.

Howie Kendrick

One potential free agent this offseason who could fill a number of the team’s needs is Howie Kendrick.

A 12-year veteran and former All-Star with the Angels in 2011, Kendrick made his mark in the Majors early on as one of the game’s better offensive second baseman.

After nine seasons with the Halos, the 34-year-old moved to the Dodgers, where he started to play at more positions around the diamond.

The infielder made the move to the outfield, where he’s seen the bulk of his playing time in a 2017 season split between the Phillies and Nationals.

Still, Kendrick also logged innings at second base and first base. He also moonlighted as an occasional third baseman with the Dodgers.

In other words, he’s versatile—that’s exactly what the Detroit Tigers need at this point.

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