Dodgers Rumors: Team Reportedly 'Exploring' Howie Kendrick Deal

Let the rumors begin.

The offseason has begun and the hot stove will begin to heat up as teams look to improve their teams for the 2017 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers figure to be one of the teams mentioned a lot this winter as they look to finally find the right mix that can get them back to the World Series for the first time since 1988. 

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the reigning NL West champs could be trying to make a deal involving a veteran infielder-turned-outfielder:

The Dodgers are exploring a trade of Kendrick, who grew frustrated with his role last season, according to major-league sources.

Rosenthal mentioned the Philadelphia Phillies and Anaheim Angels as potential suitors for Kendrick. The 33-year-old spent his entire career with the Angels before being traded to the Dodgers in 2014. 

If the frustration rumor is real for Kendrick, it's likely due to the fact that he played a majority of his games in the outfield and lost out on playing time in the postseason. He started 79 games in left field compared to just 23 at second base. Kendrick also played some third base and first base. Kendrick started just three of 11 games in the postseason. 

Kendrick finished the year with a career-low in batting average (.255) and OPS (.691), although his OBP was similar to his career average thanks to a career-high in walks (50). 

Any deal for the veteran would not bring back too much for the Dodgers but it could shed some salary and potentially bring back a young arm or position player.