Howie Kendrick re-signs with Washington Nationals for two years

The Washington Nationals re-signed second baseman and outfielder Howie Kendrick to a two-year, $7 million contract Monday.

The Nationals acquired Kendrick, 34, in July at the trade deadline to add more bench depth. Kendrick was effective in that role, hitting .293/.343/.494 with seven home runs in 52 games.

USA Today was the first to report and Kendrick’s agent Pat Murphy later confirmed to the Associated Press.

Kendrick gives the Nationals another option at second base if Daniel Murphy isn’t ready for Opening Day. Murphy had knee surgery in October and wasn’t sure of his return when he spoke to the media at Nationals Winterfest in December.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Kendrick’s contract can max out at $9.25 million because he has $2.25 million in incentives based on plate appearances.

Kendrick rejoins a Nationals bench that features names such as outfielder Brian Goodwin, first baseman Matt Adams, shortstop Wilmer Difo and catcher Pedro Severaino. The Nationals added Adams in December.

Washington’s bench was a major strength in last season’s 97-65 campaign, allowing former manager Dusty Baker to give Murphy, Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper scheduled off days. The depth also allowed them to withstand injuries.

Kendrick, who has spent time with the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, was traded from Philadelphia to the Nationals.