Chicago Cubs: Is Howie Kendrick a prospective offseason target?

Washington Nationals infielder Howie Kendrick is chasing a title this month – and might be the perfect addition for the Chicago Cubs this offseason.

It’s still strange to watch postseason baseball that doesn’t include the Chicago Cubs. Last year’s Wild Card game loss helps, I guess, given I watched the Division and Championship Series – as well as the Fall Classic – without the team. But, still, it’s a new look – and I don’t particularly care for it.

It has, however, given me plenty of time to watch guys playing in October – focusing, in particular, on the names I know could be hitting the open market once the postseason draws to a close. Given the Cubs’ glaring hole at second base, one guy I’m particularly interested in is Howie Kendrick.

Now, I know – it’s not often you see me clamoring for a 36-year-old player. But here we are. Chicago lacked professional at-bats for much of the year. Second base was little more than an offensive black hole in 2019 and if the team wants to compete next year, it has to change.

Enter Kendrick.

The 2002 tenth-round pick turned in a monster season under former Cubs bench Coach Dave Martinez in D.C. this year, getting on base at a monster .392 clip in 121 games. His .966 OPS and 142 OPS+ both set career-highs for the veteran, who would do a lot for this Chicago lineup.

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.