When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves this past offseason, they made it clear from the beginning that the move was for salary purposes and they hoped to trade Kemp to another team.
But as the offseason went by, they found out that was not easy to do, so Kemp wound up reporting to Camelback Ranch for Spring Training still a member of the Dodgers organization. He was a pleasant surprise, tying for the team lead with five home runs and fitting in well with the clubhouse.
Kemp rode that success and a improved defense to starting in left field on Opening Day. But it appears the Dodgers front office is still pursuing potential trade options.
According to Ron Cervenka of Think Blue LA, Los Angeles is in talks with the Milwaukee Brewers about a trade involving Kemp:
BREAKING: Just received info from a reliable source that there is a possible trade in the works between the Dodgers and Brewers involving @TheRealMattKemp and several top Dodger prospects.
— Ron Cervenka (@Think_BlueLA) March 31, 2018
Given the enormity of Kemp’s remaining contract and his decline on the defensive side of the ball in recent seasons, it was always believed that the Dodgers would have to include prospects and potentially eat some of his remaining salary in any trade.
Kemp showing up in good shape for Spring Training and performing well may have helped his value a tad, as he proved that he can still play the outfield which could intrigue some National League teams like the Brewers.
It is unknown what the Dodgers would be receiving if they were to make a trade with the Brewers, but they have shown interest in former NL MVP Ryan Braun for quite a while now.
With the Brewers signing Lorenzo Cain and trading for Christian Yelich this past offseason, Braun may be the odd man out in the Brewers outfield but could fit in well in left field for the Dodgers. He does have veto power as a player with 10-and-5 rights, but the Dodgers have previously been included on a list of teams Bruan would be open to joining.
