The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprise trade a year ago, acquiring a familiar face in Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves in what was a salary-motivated trade to get below the luxury tax threshold for the 2018 season.
After acquiring him, the Dodgers had no plans of keeping Kemp. However, when they were unable to find a trade partner, Kemp reported to Spring Training and wound up winning the starting left field job.
Kemp had a resurgence in his second stint with the Dodgers, being named an All-Star starter for the National League and then taking home NL Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Despite his strong season, it appears the Dodgers are still trying to get out of the remaining year and $21.5 million on his contract, along with potentially trading Yasiel Puig as well, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
The Dodgers continue to shop their two highest-paid outfielders, Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, according to a source, with Winter Meetings rumors focusing on Puig because, well, he’s Puig.
Considering his contract is now only one more year and he is coming off a strong season, finding a taker for Kemp should be an easier task for the Dodgers front office this time around.
The biggest issue last winter was the perception of Kemp’s defensive ability, but he actually proved to be a capable defender in 2018. He still fits best on an American League club where he can serve as a designated hitter.
Meanwhile, Puig has been linked in several trade rumors. Specifically in talks that involved the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. Puig is due for a substantial raise via arbitration and is one year away from free agency.
He reportedly grew frustrated with platooning that led to a loss in confidence in the front office and management.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged having a surplus of outfielders to work with, so if not Kemp or Puig, it stands to reason that depth is cut into to address other areas of the roster.
