Chicago Cubs: Is Howie Kendrick a prospective offseason target?

Chicago Cubs: Let’s break down some numbers

Despite the monster campaign, I can’t imagine too many teams are going to be clamoring to offer Kendrick a lengthy deal this offseason. As I mentioned, the guy turns 37 next July – so who knows how much he’s got left in the tank.

That being said, I love what I saw from this guy for the Nationals this season. We talked a little about his big picture numbers. But let’s dive in a little deeper to see what he brought to the table in 2019.

In his worst offensive month this season, Kendrick hit .280 with a .321 on-base percentage. In every other month, he hit north of .300 – and over the season’s final two months, put up a clip north of .400 as Washington chased down the field and punched their postseason ticket. When the pressure was on, this guy delivered.

He played all over the diamond for Martinez – seeing considerable time at both first, second and third base this year. Having that kind of versatility is key, especially if the Cubs move on from Ben Zobrist – something I’d think is pretty likely, despite his playing well down the stretch after he rejoined the team.

Kendrick hit fifth more than anywhere else in the lineup – and that’s not a terrible spot to put him if you’re the Cubs, either. Assuming Theo Epstein addresses the leadoff spot (and not taking a Nicholas Castellanos return for granted) – you could see a 2-3-4 of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras.

Slotting Kendrick in behind that trio and perhaps following him with a Kyle Schwarber gives Chicago some serious firepower – and a lineup capable of working counts and burning through opposing staffs.

Chicago Cubs: Time to add some grit to the clubhouse in 2020

Given the team has guys like Ian Happ and David Bote (not to mention highly-touted prospect Nico Hoerner) in the mix at second, as well – Kendrick could fit perfectly as a guy who sees some time at second and third – and spells Rizzo at first from time to time. He knows his role – and that accepting it has played a huge role in his career year.

“I’m not an everyday guy anymore and I know that and [Davey Martinez] knows and I’m not going to complain one bit about the way I’ve been used,” Kendrick told NBC Sports Washington last month. “When I play, I play. When I don’t, I’m ready to play and go in the game and I’ve kind of streamlined that process a little more, I’ve figured out, being in the National League how to prepare myself and be ready.”

Coming off the bench this season, Kendrick hit .414 – including a .361/.415/.611 line in 41 plate appearances as a pinch hitter. It’s that type of grind-it-out mentality that makes me think he’d be a perfect fit with the Cubs – regardless of who’s managing the team moving forward.

We’re talking about a guy who knows what’s at stake – his last few go-rounds in Major League Baseball. Yet to win a ring, he’ll undoubtedly want a shot with a contender, where he can bring his 122 career postseason plate appearances and invaluable October experience, in hopes of closing his career on a high note.