Matt Kemp, Dodgers Agree on Eight-Year Contract Extension
By Editorial Staff
The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t let the impending sale of their franchise stop them from completing their largest offseason goal; lock up Matt Kemp. Yesterday, it was announced that the Dodgers and Kemp reached a preliminary agreement on an eight-year contract extension worth $160 million. The new deal with make Kemp one of the highest paid players in the game.
Entering the offseason, Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti made it known that one of his club’s top priorities was to sign Kemp to a long-term deal. Last week it was announced that contract negotiations had begun. Original reports had Kemp seeking at least a seven year extension.
Ever since extension talks arose, Kemp made it clear that he enjoyed playing for the Dodgers. While he said a few weeks ago that he wasn’t sure what the future held for him, Kemp noted that if it were his decision, he’d be playing in LA for years to come.
With statements like that, it was clear that the ball was in the Dodgers’ court. While Kemp’s agent said winning and team chemistry are important to his client, it was also imperative that the 27-year-old be paid as one of the best players in the game.
It’s one thing for a guy to want to be paid like one of the top players in the game, but it’s another for him to earn it. In 2011, Kemp earned the right to ask to be paid as one of the game’s best. The center-fielder had an all-around spectacular year for the Dodgers, finishing percentage points away from capturing the National League Triple Crown.
Over his 161 games played last season, Kemp hit at a clip of .324/.399/.586 with 33 doubles, 39 home runs and 126 RBI’s. Kemp also scored 115 times and stole 40 bases. His talent at the plate, on the bases and in the field earned Kemp the highest fWAR (8.7) in the NL.
Yesterday, Kemp told reporters that he hasn’t signed anything yet, but that he and the Dodgers “are getting close”. Kemp did say that he loves the idea of “eight more years in LA” and that his “dreams have definitely come true”.
Assuming Kemp is receiving the reported eight-year, $160 million deal, his new agreement will rank in the top 10 of baseball’s most lucrative contracts. Before Kemp, only six players have received deals worth $160 million or more; Manny Ramirez ($160 million), C.C. Sabathia ($161 million), Mark Teixeira ($180 million), Joe Mauer ($184 million), Derek Jeter ($189 million), and Alex Rodriguez twice ($252 and $275 million).
For more on the Dodgers, be sure to check out Lasorda’s Lair.