At the conclusion of the 2013 season, there was suggestion that the Phillies should re-sign Kendrick insofar as he would serve as a useful player to trade around the trade deadline for a prospect or two, as durable, mediocre starters are always in demand around that time. Contradictorily, one scout suggested that because he throws strikes with great frequency and has a propensity to induce groundballs, he would be a strong value option for the Phillies. Ultimately, the Phillies agreed with the latter, and signed him to a one-year, contract in the final year before he is eligible to be a free agent. Kendrick preposterously struggled all season in the first inning, entering his final home start of the season with a 9.31 ERA in the first inning. Overall, he pitched a career-high 199 innings, but posted a 4.61 ERA, second-worst among qualifying NL starting pitchers. The prevailing consensus was that despite a sentimental attachment to Philadelphia, generally being liked by Phillies' fans, and solid contributions to the back of the Phillies' rotation since arriving in the major leagues, he was unlikely to return to Philadelphia for 2015, but would be a "smart pickup" by a contending team.