The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they have acquired outfielder Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, Charlie Culberson and cash considerations.
The move was made in order for the Dodgers to get below the luxury tax threshold in 2018, as Gonzalez, McCarthy and Kazmir are all on expiring contracts that amount to a combined $47.5 million.
Kemp, who came up through the Dodgers organization and spent his first nine Major League seasons with the team, still has two years and around $40 million on his contract.
The Dodgers were already paying a big portion of that contract due to the trade they completed with the San Diego Padres in 2014. Los Angeles remained on the hook for $3.5 million this season.
The Braves, whose front office is now run by former Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos, were able to unload Kemp’s two-year contract for a bunch of one-year contracts, which puts them in a better place financially beyond 2018.
It also appears Atlanta plans to designate Gonzalez for assignment, so he will have the ability to sign with a team of his choice.
Kemp appeared in 115 games for the Braves in 2017, and hit .276/.318/.463 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs, so the 33-year-old still has some gas left in the tank.
With Yasiel Puig occupying right field and Chris Taylor likely playing center, Kemp may be the frontrunner to start in left field for the Dodgers. Although he could face competition in Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles.
On top of that, there’s the possibility the Dodgers will next look to trade or release Kemp.
Gonzalez struggled through an injury-plagued 2017 season, as he appeared in just 71 games and posted career-lows in every offensive category. With Cody Bellinger looking to be the first baseman of the future for the Dodgers, there was no spot for Gonzalez moving forward.
Kazmir also was dogged by injury this season, as he did not appear in a single game for the Dodgers. He and McCarthy should be able to fill into a Braves rotation that lacked a veteran presence.
Culberson, the final piece of the trade, burst onto the scene in the playoffs, where he filled in for the injured Corey Seager at shortstop and had eight hits in 16 at-bats. The 28-year-old will likely serve as a utilityman for Atlanta, giving him a better opportunity than he would’ve had with the Dodgers.
