Rumors from earlier in the offseason found the Arizona Diamondbacks were making an effort to sign free-agent second baseman Howie Kendrick. However, their logjam in the infield, in addition to Kendrick being tied to draft pick compensation, perhaps steered them away.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal says the D-Backs are still reluctant to give up another pick in the upcoming MLB Draft (they surrendered one for Zack Greinke), but Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting Arizona is "active in trade talks trying to move" a second baseman to "clear room to sign Kendrick."
Infielder Aaron Hill was the subject of trade rumors earlier in the offseason. The veteran will earn $12 million in 2016 before hitting free agency, but he's more of a depth option in the D-Backs' infield. He played in 116 games last year and logged 313 at-bats filling in at second and third base. Robert Murray of Baseball Essential is reporting the team is trying to trade him, but such a move wouldn't exactly open up a spot for Kendrick.
However, moving a player like Chris Owings would. The 24-year-old has upside as a tremendous defender, but he hit just .227/.264/.322 with 59 runs scored, 4 home runs, 43 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 147 games last year. He recorded 115 games at second base and 35 at shortstop.
Fellow middle infielder Nick Ahmed also struggled offensively, but is regarded as a good defender. The 25-year-old hit .226/.275/.359 with 49 runs scored, 9 home runs and 34 RBI in 134 games.
If the D-Backs are considering a trade, it's likely one of these two could be moved. The team has little need for two middle infielders that aren't prolific hitters. That area of the infield needs an upgrade after top prospect Dansby Swanson was traded to the Atlanta Braves in the Shelby Miller deal.
Additionally, both are young enough to get Arizona some value in return.
It's clear the Diamondbacks are hoping to contend as soon as possible. The trade for Miller and the signing of Greinke are clearly "now moves." Signing Kendrick would fall under that category as well.
However, they might want to be careful after trading away three young, promising talents in Swanson, Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair. They already gave up the No. 32 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and signing Kendrick would force them to also forfeit the No. 39 pick - both of which would go to the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
