According to ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes, the Red Sox’ discussions with the Dodgers regarding Kemp have not reached a “serious stage,” and one source reportedly indicated that talks are not going to reach that point.
Kemp has been linked to a few teams this offseason, as it’s believed that the Dodgers are looking to move an outfielder. Los Angeles currently has Kemp, Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Yasiel Puig under contract for 2014, and reports have indicated that the Dodgers are willing to move any of the outfielders besides Puig. Kemp’s name has been at the heart of the speculation.
There are a couple of issues that could complicate any potential deal involving Kemp, though. First, the 29-year-old has missed time in each of the last two seasons with a shoulder problem and an ankle issue, so there’s obviously going to be some concern about his health status for whichever teams consider making a deal. And secondly, Kemp is owed about $130 million over the next six years, so L.A. will likely need to eat a chunk of the outfielder’s contract — the extent of which could dictate the level of talent that the Dodgers receive in return for the two-time All-Star.
Kemp is a very talented player when healthy, so the Dodgers might be selling low if they decide to move him this winter. He placed second in the National League MVP voting in 2011, a year in which he finished with 39 homers, 126 RBIs, 40 stolen bases, a .399 on-base percentage and a .324 average.
Kemp also has two Gold Gloves on his resume, so acquiring him to replace Jacoby Ellsbury is certainly a juicy rumor involving the Red Sox. It might only be that, however.
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