7. Matt Kemp
In 2011, Matt Kemp finished one home run short of being the fifth player in MLB history to record a 40-40 season. Since that point, injuries have sapped his speed and made Kemp a shadow of his former self.
Signed to an eight year, $160 Million extension that began in 2012, Kemp appeared to deliver on his promise, hitting twelve home runs during the month of April. Then he struggled with hamstring injuries that hampered him for the rest of the season, plaguing him into the 2013 campaign. Those injuries cost Kemp that excellent speed, leaving the Dodgers looking to part ways with the former burgeoning star.
They found a taker with the Padres, who were looking to make a splash and compete during the 2015 season. While Kemp hit 23 home runs, the Padres struggled, leaving them to part with various pieces they acquired to restock their depleted farm system. Kemp, meanwhile, is still due another $87 Million until his contract ends, making it virtually impossible to trade him to attempt to rebuild.
Kemp is off to a strong start this season, with three home runs in his first nine games, but it would be foolhardy to expect him to get back to his former self. For a team with a smaller payroll like the Padres, Kemp’s contract is a severe handicap.
Next: The Round Mound of Pitching