Rockies agree to terms with RHP Kyle Kendrick

As the offseason comes to a close, the Colorado Rockies are ending an interesting few months with a low-risk signing to improve their well below-average starting rotation.

Colorado agreed to sign right-hander Kyle Kendrick, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that Kendrick's one-year deal will be worth $5.5 million next season. If he tosses over 190 innings, Kendrick can earn an extra $500,000. He is represented by Relativity Baseball.

The 30-year-old and eight-year big league veteran posted a below-average 10-13 record with a 4.61 ERA (4.57 FIP) last season over 199 innings pitched with Philadelphia, the most of his career. He posted a 5.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, and a 2.12 strikeout-per-walk ratio over his 32 starts. Kendrick, a one-time swingman, has not pitched out of the bullpen since 2012, but has experience there, pitching out of the bullpen 41 times.

At the Rockies' home at Coors Field, Kendrick is 1-1 with a 5.26 ERA and a 1.78 strikeout-per-walk ratio in 37.2 innings pitched. Rockies hitters have hit .303/.340/.480 against him there, which may not be a good omen for his performance in 2015. 

The Rockies rotation currently includes the likes of Jorge De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, Tyler Matzek, and Jordan Lyles as they look to improve upon a 66-96 record and the second-worst rotation ERA in the league. Kendrick posts very little upside, but may be a nice filler option as the Rockies build toward contention into the future. 

--Devan Fink

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