Several baseball teams are preparing to make big trades this offseason. As free agency approaches, several marquee players could be on the move whether their contracts are up or not. Two teams not shy about making moves are the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. Both have made big moves in the past and another could be brewing soon.
The Boston Herald is reporting that the Red Sox are in discussions to make a trade for centerfielder Matt Kemp. According to Nick Cafardo, several teams have called about whether or not Kemp is on the market or could be on the market if the right deal is presented. According to a source, the Dodgers are not actively shopping Kemp, but that is not stopping teams from asking.
The 29-year-old is currently owed $130 million over the next six years. While a trade would certainly be appealing to Los Angeles , but it would be a lot for any other team to take on. Boston's interest makes sense. They are losing Jacoby Ellsbury to free agency and will need to find an impressive replacement.
Kemp's 2012-13 season was certainly not that impressive considering he was heavily hampered by injuries that kept him to playing just 73 games while playing 106 games the year before. Normally a model of durability, this was the first year that did not play at least 160 games in the past few seasons. His best year was 2011 when he led the National League with 39 home runs and a .324 batting average.
The Dodgers have a crowded backfield already which could mean a trade for at least one outfielder is possible. Currently, Kemp is in the mix with Andree Ethier, Yusiel Puig and Carl Crawford. Los Angeles has talked to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners about trades but it is unknown whether or not Kemp's name as brought up.
It is worth discussing the fact that the Red Sox and the Dodgers have trade history with one another. They worked out the blockbuster deal in in 2012, involving Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett. Both team's general managers feel comfortable doing business with one another.
Kemp might be injured, but that will not stop teams of considering him since he does have a strong history. Fenway would be an excellent area to rebound after a down season and it is certainly friendly to right-handed hitters.
