The Washington Nationals and division rival Philadelphia Phillies have completed a trade. LF/2B Howie Kendrick and cash are going to the District of Columbia for LHP prospect McKenzie Mills.
The Nationals, penalized by Adam Eaton\’s Torn ACL, have been looking to acquire an outfielder. Kendrick has moved to outfielder in the last year or so, and can now play the position fully. With LF Jayson Werth currently hurt, Kendrick can start at LF. He can try out center when Werth returns, and share time there with Michael Taylor. Kendrick is actually hurt himself with a bruised hand, but is just day-to-day. He\’s also a rental, so the Nats will let him sign elsewhere at the end of the season. When not not starting, Kendrick is a great bench bat, especially against lefties.
Kendrick, 34, has a .340 batting average, two homers, 16 RBIs and eight steals in 156 Plate Appearances this year for the Phillies. In his 12 year career for the Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels, Kendrick has a .290 batting average, 97 homers, 611 RBIs and 119 stolen bases in 5613 Plate Appearances.
The Phillies, at the bottom of the MLB are selling all their veterans. As a rental, Kendrick is a guy who needs to be traded. After his injury, I think management might not of thought he\’d be able to go, but they are able to trade him. They get a prospect in Mills, who is just in Single-A.
Mills, 21, has a 3.01 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 118 strikeouts in 104.2 innings this year. In his minor league career, Mills has a 4.17 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 201 strikeouts in 215.2 innings.
I think the Nationals win this trade. It\’s simple. It\’s a MLB player for a Single-A player. That\’s why they win.
For more on this trade check out my YouTube video.
CarterHud 