Don’t Expect Los Angeles Dodgers To Trade Matt Kemp Anytime Soon
Despite the rumors that at least three MLB teams are interested in dealing for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, fans should not get excited at the possibility of a blockbuster trade.
The Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres have reportedly engaged the Dodgers in the availability of Kemp. However, inside sources with all three organizations have said that the talks do not appear to be too serious. In actuality, Los Angeles is more or less placing Kemp on a line to see what kind of bites they get. It would take quite the offer for the team to even consider trading him, especially after Hanley Ramirez agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox.
One of the biggest reasons Los Angeles is expected to trade Kemp is because of the hiring of new general manager Andrew Friedman, who is known to find players and deals in places no one thinks to look. As the general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, Friedman rebuilt a team with a minimal payroll that reached the World Series in 2008. The Dodgers are hoping for similar success with one of the largest payrolls in baseball.
Los Angeles is much more likely to move outfielders Andre Ethier or Carl Crawford before they pull the trigger on Kemp. At least, that is what the organization would rather accomplish.
The issue is Kemp will offer a bigger return, even with the large contractual dollars that come along with him. Even though teams are asking the Dodgers to take on part of his salary if traded, the reality is the $107 million remaining on his contract is fair considering the numbers he put up last season. Therefore, Kemp will most likely not be dealt if a team is not willing to pay him in full.
If a team can take on his complete salary and offer quality players in return, Los Angeles may have no choice but to trade Kemp. The Padres look to be the best bet, especially since they have the available pieces to help the Dodgers upgrade their rotation. Trading Kemp to a divisional rival may be out of the question, though.
The one thing that is certain is one of the three mentioned outfielders must be dealt this winter. It is up to Friedman to decide how to get the best deal in return.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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