The Los Angeles Dodgers became more focused on creating a positive clubhouse culture in addition to a winning team on the field ever since the current front office regime took over in 2014.
That played into Andrew Friedman’s first big move since running the Dodgers — trading fan favorite Matt Kemp. Kemp had reportedly clashed with teammates such as Yasiel Puig during his final seasons in Los Angeles.
Nobody expected the Kemp to emerge as a clubhouse leader with the 2018 Dodgers, even after the team re-acquired him last December. However, that is exactly what happened.
Kemp patched things up with Puig and immediately enjoyed the full support of old friends like Kenley Jansen. He has also made an impact on some of the Dodgers’ younger players.
Cody Bellinger in particular has developed a strong bond with the veteran, per Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times:
“Kemp’s been awesome,” Bellinger said. “He’s been through it all. He’s been through success, he’s been through some failure. He’s been a vocal guy, kind of keeping me on my toes. Kind of like Andre a little bit. A lot of smack talking, but all positivity, you know?”
As Bellinger aludes to, he enjoyed a similar relationship with then-teammate Andre Ethier during his breakout rookie season in 2017. Ironically enough, Kemp and Ethier were good friends during their prime years All-Star outfielders for the Dodgers in the early 2010s.
Bellinger has received wide range of advice, and the defending National League Rookie of the Year is soaking it all up. Bellinger struggled early in the season, slashing .232/.303/.425 through May 31.
Lately, however, he has looked more like the player who helped power the Dodgers to an NL Pennant in 2017. Since July 1, he is batting .285/.372/.431, with the month of August proving particularly fruitful.
So while Kemp is mired in his own slump, the influence he at least in managing to make an impact through influencing Bellinger and others in the clubhouse.
