In a twist seemingly fit for Hollywood, former Los Angeles Dodgers Matt Kemp and Hector Olivera were swapped in a one-for-one trade between the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves, the clubs announced Saturday evening.
Atlanta also received cash considerations in the deal. Meanwhile, Olivera was immediately designated for assignment. Shortly after taking the helm of the Dodgers front office in October 2014, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman made sweeping changes by trading away Dee Gordon and Kemp in separate package deals.
Both were coming off a strong season, which for Gordon earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team.
Along with sending Kemp and Tim Federowicz to San Diego, the Dodgers included $32 million to cover a portion of the remaining $107 million that was due to Kemp over the next five years.
Los Angeles still owes Kemp $10.5 million ($3.5 million annually) from 2017-2019. His tenure with the Padres comes to an end after 254 games overs parts of the last two seasons. Kemp hit a combined .301/.462/.763 with 55 doubles, 46 home runs and 169 RBIs during that span.
Olivera only played 30 games for Braves since being traded to the organization last August. The Cuban infielder hit .245/.296/.378 with five doubles, two home runs and 13 RBIs.
He played six games in April this season before receiving an 82-game suspension under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. The suspension was retroactive to April 30 and runs through Aug. 1. Olivera was with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate.
He signed signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract with the Dodgers in May 2015. Olivera’s deal included a $28 million signing bonus, which has already been paid in full. He never reached the Majors with the club despite being considered a power bat who was Major-League ready.
With no place for him on their roster, the Dodgers included Olivera in the 13-player trade with the Braves and Miami Marlins last August. In light of Olivera’s domestic violence case, Braves general manager John Coppolella said the deal was one he regretted.
