Matt Kemp has been the biggest name floating around the MLB Winter Meetings. It had been assumed for weeks that the outfielder would likely get traded. Several teams had expressed interest and the Dodgers were actively listening. However, according to Kemp's agent, the outfielder is staying put.
Dave Stewart, agent to Kemp, met with the Dodgers on Wednesday during the Winter Meetings to discuss the status of his client. The agent told ESPN.com that the Dodgers have plans to hold on to Kemp and are not pursing any trades regarding the two-time All-Star. Stewart noted that Kemp had no desire to leave Los Angeles and was hoping to remain with the team at least through the end of his contract. Both parties agreed this was the best situation for everyone.
Kemp is still owed $128 million over the next six years. Many assumed the Dodgers were not too keen on paying him that considering he is coming off a season where he played just 73 games after suffering injuries to his hamstring, shoulder and ankles. He underwent offseason operations on both ankles and shoulder, remaining questionable to be healthy by spring training. Last year, he hit just six home runs while battling a career-low and slugging just .395.
If Kemp stays, the Dodgers still have a crowded outfield. Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford remain in the mix with the team. All are signed too much cheaper contracts while still being quality talent. The Dodgers may be shutting down talks with Kemp, but they are reportedly still open to deals regarding either Ethier or Crawford.
However, general manager Ned Colletti spoke Tuesday with MLB.com and stated the team might not get rid of anyone because they are targeting quality depth on the roster for the 2014 season. After injuries hit hard last year, having a crowded outfield is not the worst thing in the world.
"We can't sell off to sell off, then go into 2015 saying, 'Let's go get an outfielder on the free agent market.' We've seen the list. It's not overloaded with choices," Colletti said. "There is a lack of impact outfielders that are going to become available in the near future. We better be sure that, if we make a move, it would help this club for a while."
If teams like the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers are still interested in getting an outfielder, they must have something really good to offer in return. For now, Kemp is not available.
