Report: Howie Kendrick Expects to Play in 2021

Report: Howie Kendrick expects to play in 2021 originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Here’s the news: Howie Kendrick decided he will play in 2021, according to The Athletic.

Here’s the thing: where is to be determined.

Kendrick was unsure if he would play again in 2021. Had 2020 been normal, Kendrick planned to retire after the season at age 37. Instead, the weirdness of the year made him reconsider and head into the offseason with only one plan: talk over what’s next with his family.

“I’ll be sad that I’m leaving the game of baseball, but I’m gaining so much when I go home with my family,” Kendrick said at the end of the season of prospective retirement.”My kids, they’ll be growing up and I’ll get to have that impact on them. Not only do I get to impact some of the younger guys around here, but my kids I can impact every day.

“They’re doing sports. My oldest son, Owen, I know he misses me. Talks about it with my wife. Then my younger son, Tyson, he plays like he doesn’t miss me, but he does. When you see that -- when you hear that in their voice -- as much as I love baseball, I would say family is more important. At the end of the day, that’s why I am going to sit down and talk with them and see what they really want me to do. Because it’s not just my decision. I’ve given so much to baseball, to be able to get back to them means more to me.”

However, those same kids were lobbying for Kendrick to play again -- for selfish reasons. They wanted another normal year in the clubhouse. Both of Kendrick’s sons spent hours each day at the stadium hanging out with Juan Soto or playing catch on the field. The question for him, and them, is if they will see Soto next year.

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The Nationals remain undefined at first base and, possibly, designated hitter. They know they need multiple first basemen next season. No one yet knows if a DH will be necessary in the National League. Kendrick plans to play whether the universal DH returns or not, according to The Athletic. He could be a platoon option at first base in Washington, as could Ryan Zimmerman.

Mike Rizzo said Tuesday on The Junkies he has been in contact with Zimmerman, but is unsure if he will play next season. Both are right-handed bats. And both are 36 or older. Rizzo stated at the end of the 2020 regular season he wanted the roster to become younger. First base would seem to be a place to do it a year after Kendrick, Zimmerman and Eric Thames (34) were set to work there.

But, it will be difficult to slide back the clock at first base via free agent first baseman. Carlos Santana is 35. Kendrick, Zimmerman, Asdrúbal Cabrera (35) and Daniel Murphy (36) are among the viable options. Shifting a player over to first base from his normal position -- for instance signing and moving Joc Pederson (29) from the outfield to first -- would be a cheat to reduce the age at the spot. However, if there is a place to hide a veteran player, it is often first base.

Kendrick’s decision at least informs the Nationals they have another option. He would surely listen if they call. It’s just unclear if they will.

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