The Los Angeles Dodgers’ busy week spilled into the final day of the Major League Baseball winter meetings.
The Dodgers traded All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres on Thursday, according to multiple reports. Kemp has long been the subject of trade rumors amid Los Angeles’ crowded outfield situation.
The Dodgers will receive catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Joe Wieland and pitching prospect Zach Eflin, according to multiple reports. Los Angeles will send catcher Tim Federowicz to San Diego along with Kemp.
The Dodgers reportedly also will send about $32 million to the Padres to cover part of Kemp’s remaining $107 million salary. That means San Diego will pay Kemp $15 million per season over the next five seasons.
Kemp, a two-time All-Star, is coming off a nice bounce-back campaign with the Dodgers. The 30-year-old hit .287 with 25 homers, 89 RBIs and an .852 OPS. While there are some questions about Kemp’s durability and defense, there’s no denying he’s a special talent when healthy.
Kemp’s best season came in 2011. He hit .324 with 39 homers, 126 RBIs, 40 stolen bases and a .986 OPS en route to a second-place finish in National League MVP voting.
Thumbnail photo via Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports Images
