Dodgers Welcome Back Kendrick With $20M, 2-Year Deal

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers and free-agent second baseman Howie Kendrick have agreed to a $20 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because the team had not announced the agreement.

Kendrick batted .295 with nine home runs and 54 RBI last season, his first after the Dodgers acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels in December 2014.

The 32-year-old infielder had turned down a $15.8 million, one-year qualifying offer from the team in November, leaving the Dodgers as the only club that could sign him without giving up a 2016 amateur draft pick as compensation. By bringing back Kendrick, they lose the chance to gain a compensation-round selection.

Kendrick's return seemingly solidifies second base, where the team's other options are Kike Hernandez and veteran Chase Utley, who was re-signed to a $7 million, one-year deal last month. Utley could also back up third baseman Justin Turner, who is recovering from surgery on his left knee in October.

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