Howie Kendrick missed most of 2018 after rupturing his Achilles in mid-May, but the veteran infielder signed a 2-year/$7M the previous January, so he was under contract for 2019 (on a $4M deal).
Kendrick worked his way back, managed to get ready for Spring Training, where manager Davey Martinez and the Nationals’ staff handled him carefully, and the 36-year-old put up some impressive numbers, finishing the season with a .344/.395/.572 line, 23 doubles, and 17 home runs in 121 games and 370 plate appearances, over which he was worth 2.9 fWAR.
He also managed to hit the go-ahead home run late in Game 7 of the World Series, helping the Nationals win the first championship by a D.