Howie Kendrick (1B/2B/3B, WSH) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 30% of leagues

ANALYSIS: 

Not many players have a career-year at age 36, but that’s exactly what Howie Kendrick did last season in Washington. The veteran infielder hit for a cool .344 with a .966 OPS along with 17 longballs in 370 PA. That performance wasn't a fluke either, as Kendrick was in the 98th percentile for xBA, xSLG, and xwOBA, with numbers rivaling youngsters like Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto. Of course, no one expects Kendrick to perform near the level of those players, but it’s surprising to see him owned in just 30% of leagues. With Ryan Zimmerman opting out of the 2020 season and the DH coming to the NL, Kendrick is looking at a full-time role in Washington. Not only that, but Kendrick has triple eligibility at 1B, 2B, and 3B.

His low ownership rate is likely because Kendrick carries two traits fantasy baseball owners fear, which is age and spotty track record. Kendrick has always been a good hitter with a .294 career BA, but has never shown much power prior to last season. He set a career-high in ISO by 49 points, and if the ball is no longer juiced Kendrick’s power could slip. Even if the ball changes, Kendrick improved his strikeout rate, walk rate, hard hit rate, and launch angle last season, which should be enough to maintain moderate power. Pair those improvements with an every day role batting behind studs like Juan Soto and Trea Turner, and Kendrick has appeal in all formats.