Sep 20, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp (27) during batting practice prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Kemp is probably on his way out of Los Angeles. At least that is what Kemp’s agent Dave Stewart believes.
Stewart – the former A’s pitcher, not the former Eurythmic – says Dodgers GM Ned Colletti is willing to trade any of the team’s outfielders if the right deal comes along. This does not mean the Dodgers are actively shopping Kemp. It just means they’re ready to listen.
Based on his own experience as a major leaguer who got traded, Stewart believes that these signs and more point to Kemp being moved.
“I’d be surprised if it doesn’t happen,” Stewart said. “I haven’t heard a player’s name floated around like that and something not happen.”
Stewart says Kemp wants to stay in Los Angeles and is taking the trade rumors hard.
Moving Kemp might not be easy, with the Dodgers still owing the outfielder $128 million over the next six seasons. Kemp is not exactly in peak form physically coming off a shoulder injury and an ankle operation.
But Kemp is still only 29, and is just a couple years removed from a 40-home run season. There is serious bounce back potential here. If Kemp can get right physically, he could be a monster for someone.
Seattle and Boston are two teams believed to have interest in trading for Kemp. The Dodgers have reportedly been getting inquiries on all their outfielders, including phenom Yasiel Puig.
It seems a certainty that one of the Dodgers’ big-name outfielders will be moved this offseason. But which one will it be?
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