Reds Reportedly Interested in Nationals World Series Hero Howie Kendrick

Howie Kendrick's heroic 2019 MLB postseason performance has helped him earn an increased amount of interest this free agency.

The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly the newest team to be in pursuit of his services for the 2020 season, as they continue their search for a new second baseman.

Last season, the Reds relied on Jose Peraza at second base in place of Scooter Gennett, and he had a dismal season, accounting for -0.9 WAR while hitting for an average of .239. Even at a position where a ton of offensive production isn't expected, Peraza had some noticeable struggles at the plate. The team also gave Derek Dietrich run at second, and though he hit a barrage of homers early, he finished under .200 on the season and spiraled out of control throughout the summer months.

This is where Kendrick would come in: Even before his stellar postseason performance, Kendrick hit for a .344 average while contributing 17 home runs and 62 RBI in just 334 at-bats.

At this point, the Reds would be more than willing to give up some defense in order to add Kendrick's bat to their lineup, which has stagnated in recent years.

Other teams that have indicated a high level of interest in Kendrick include the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins. Coming off a World Series win, Kendrick might prefer to either stay with the Nationals or join another contending team rather than playing for a cellar-dweller.