Dodgers finalize 2-year, $20M deal with Kendrick

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the signing of free-agent second baseman Howie Kendrick.

He agreed to a $20 million, two-year deal last week after it appeared Kendrick would not be back, having turned down a $15.8 million, one-year qualifying offer from the team in November. That rejection left the Dodgers as the only club that could sign the 32-year-old infielder without giving up a 2016 amateur draft pick as compensation.

By bringing Kendrick back, they lose the chance to gain a compensation-round selection.

Kendrick batted .295 with nine home runs and 54 RBIs last season, his first after the Dodgers acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels in December 2014.

Kendrick's return solidifies second base, where the team's other options are Kike Hernandez and veteran Chase Utley, who was re-signed to a $7 million, one-year deal. Utley could also back up third baseman Justin Turner, who is recovering from knee surgery.