The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off one of the more surprising trades of the past offseason in reacquiring Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves, just three years removed from shipping him to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Yasmani Grandal.
Many speculated that Kemp would eventually be flipped to an American League club, where he would be better suited as a designated hitter. The Dodgers also hoped to shed the remainder of his contract, as an effort to stay beneath the $197 million luxury tax threshold this season.
But there were ultimately no takers, and the 33-year-old went on to surpass expectations in Spring Training and earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. Now that he’s back in the mix, Kemp is thrilled to be part of the Dodgers again.
He revealed that he always wanted to return to the organization but never envisioned it actually coming to fruition, via Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY:
“When I got traded the first time, I can’t say I wasn’t hurt,’’ Kemp tells USA TODAY Sports. “I was so disappointed. I never wanted to leave. I thought I’d be around here forever.
“But once I was gone, I always wanted to come home. I just never thought I’d be back.’’
Earlier this spring, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman commended Kemp for seamlessly fitting in with the club. Likewise, manager Dave Roberts has been impressed with the two-time All-Star.
Kemp carried over his Cactus League success into the regular season, as he’s batting .341/.371/.530 with 13 doubles, six home runs and 26 RBI. He leads the Dodgers in on-base percentage, on-base plus slugging (.902), total hits (56) and doubles, and is second in RBI.
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