(John McDonnell/The Washington Post)The Washington Nationals continued the systematic reconstruction of their bench Monday, re-signing do-it-all man Howie Kendrick to a two-year deal worth $7 million, according to a person familiar with the situation. Kendrick joined the Nationals on a deadline deal last July and slid comfortably into their veteran clubhouse while hitting .293 with an .837 OPS in 52 games. The signing, first reported by USA Today, continues the purposeful reconstruction of the Nationals’ bench, which lost veterans Stephen Drew, Adam Lind and (briefly) Kendrick to free agency. As the rest of the league waits around for a sluggish free agent market, the Nationals have made pointed strikes. Their three biggest free agent signings of the winter — Kintzler, Kendrick and Adams — will cost them (outside incentives) a combined $12.5 million next year.

Source: Washington Post January 15, 2018 18:00 UTC