Ranking the top 5 dark horse 2015 NL MVP candidates

5. OF Matt Kemp – San Diego Padres

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Kemp is only three seasons removed from a 2011 season where he finished second to 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun, a season where he played all but one game and led the National League with 39 home runs and 126 RBIs, capturing a Gold Glove in centerfield. The stellar 2011 campaign marked the end of a stretch of good health for Kemp, as the two following seasons were a myriad of injury problems leading to a drop in offensive and defensive production.

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The 2014 season was somewhat of a turn around for the veteran outfielder, as a summertime offensive renaissance made Kemp an interesting trade chip for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ front office. Dealt accordingly to San Diego earlier this offseason, Kemp now has the ability to be a veteran presence alongside another star, Justin Upton, in the heart of a promising young Padres lineup.

Kemp remains a dark horse candidate as he will begin the season at the wrong side of age 30, where an aging body will limit his ability to recover from injury, as well as the speed he possesses on-base and in the field. However, if he can reproduce the numbers he brought to the Dodgers’ second half last season, stay healthy and maintain consistency, Kemp will be a legitimate contender for the MVP award many believe he should have won back in 2011.

Next: Anthony Rizzo