Nationals' Howie Kendrick considering retirement after rough 2020 campaign

Washington Nationals infielder Howie Kendrick didn't have the best 2020 campaign. The 37-year-old was set to retire after this season, but now he isn't sure he wants to after suffering a hamstring injury that ended his year. 

"Man, do you want to go out like this? Do you want 2020 to be any worse?'" Kendrick told reporters, including MASN's Mark Zuckerman. "2020 has been strange, due to COVID and all the other climate going around the country. It is a strange year. And to think you would end on a year like this ... it is a tough one."

Kendrick admitted that he needs to get healthy and discuss his options for next season with his family before making a decision. 

The veteran has slashed .316/.361/.511 since getting traded to the Nationals during the 2017 season. He played an important role in Washington's 2019 World Series championship, but this season he struggled at the plate. 

In 25 games played, Kendrick averaged .275 at the plate with 14 RBI and two home runs, which is some of his worst numbers since entering the league in 2006. 

Kendrick has a $6.5 million mutual option tied to his contract for 2021, which could end up playing a role in his decision to retire. If this ends up being his last year in the majors, Kendrick added that he has no regrets.