Red Sox Free Agent/Trade Options to Replace Dustin Pedroia
By Lyle Bellamy
Howie Kendrick
Howie Kendrick offers a much better offensive option, as in 2017 he hit .315 in 305 at-bats for the Dodgers, Phillies, and Nationals combined. Kendrick is a career .291 hitter who was still able to swipe twelve bags over the course of the season, which could fit in with the Red Sox if they continue to play the style of offense that they did this season. A veteran with speed could also help younger guys such as Andrew Benintendi out in terms of his over-aggressiveness on the base paths.
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A huge part of the Angels clubs even before Mike Trout, Kendrick was a spark plug for their offense in his prime. Since his 2014 departure, he’s bounced around as a seasoned veteran who can contribute to a winning club. He spent the end of the year with the Nationals who are a big postseason contender, but with another postseason failure and uncertainty surrounding the Nationals, he may want to move back to the American League.
The 34-year-old has the best WAR of any of the other aforementioned candidates and has proven that he still deserves to play in the majors. At almost the same age, he could give Pedroia a run for his money on the starting job if he doesn’t come back and perform down the stretch.
Adding Kendrick to the Red Sox lineup might be the best of these options, as he could still be a force and strengthen the bottom of the order.