Matt Kemp was once one of the bright stars in baseball coming up in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and again upon returning to the team, but he has struggled to find success elsewhere.
Upon being traded to the San Diego Padres after the 2014 season, Kemp had a few decent seasons while still in California and a modest showing with the Atlanta Braves. However, it appeared as if his career was quickly coming to an end.
Kemp saw a resurgence in 2018 after being traded back to the Dodgers, starting for the National League in the All-Star Game and being named NL Comeback Player of the Year. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds following the 2018 season, marking the end of his short second tenure in L.A.
After playing just 20 games with the Reds, Kemp was released and caught on with the New York Mets by way of a Minor League contract. He spent most of 2019 dealing with injuries though and eventually was also released by the Mets.
Kemp decided to give it one last try in 2020, signing a Minor League deal with the Miami Marlins before the start of Spring Training, reuniting with former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly.
Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Kemp did not get the opportunity to show what he has left and ultimately was left off the Marlins’ 60-man player pool for the 2020 season. Again searching for a new home and another opportunity in the big leagues, it appears Kemp will now be returning to the NL West and signing with the Colorado Rockies, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
The Colorado #Rockies have signed slugger Matt Kemp to a minor-league contract to replace Ian Desmond on the roster.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 30, 2020
The Rockies had a need for an outfielder after Ian Desmond announced that he will be sitting out the 2020 season.
Kemp’s likelihood of making the Opening Day roster may not be high, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season due to coronavirus and potential injuries, it is possible he is called up at some point in the 60-game season.
If Kemp is going to have another resurgence then Coors Field is the best place to do it, especially with a universal designated hitter in place. At almost 36 years of age, this will likely be Kemp’s last shot in the big leagues.
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