Los Angeles Angels: Five Bold Predictions For 2014

4. Howie Kendrick Will Be Traded

Despite only playing in 122 games in 2013 Howie Kendrick had his finest season since 2009. Kendrick hit .297 and had his second highest OPS+ of his career. If Kendrick is healthy for an entire season and plays like he did last year for the Halos, the lineup should be even better than it already is.

However, how many years have we heard Howie Kendrick’s name thrown around in trade rumors? 5? 6? I think this is the year that Kendrick finally finds his way out of town. I don’t think it’s that the Angels don’t want to keep him. He’s an extremely valuable commodity considering he’s an above average hitter and a decent fielder at a position where it’s sometimes hard to find consistent offense.

The reason I believe the Angels are going to trade Howie Kendrick near the trade deadline is because they are going to be in a fight for a Wild Card spot and they are going to realize they need more pitching. The Angels have made a commitment to their farm system, which is currently deplorable, and they aren’t going to part with any young pieces. Outside of Mike Trout, Kendrick may be the Angels most valuable trade asset. A team like the Atlanta Braves or St. Louis Cardinals would be well served by acquiring Howie Kendrick to bolster their lineup and both of those teams having pitching by the truckload.

The Angels need pitching and have enough hitting. If the Angels are in a pennant race I believe Howie Kendrick will find his way out of town.