The offseason keeps on twisting and turning. Another twist was thrown in today as the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired left fielder Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves. In exchange, the Braves acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, pitchers Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy, shortstop Charlie Culberson, and cash considerations. The Dodgers also made a splash by signing pitcher Tom Koehler to a one-year deal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired outfielder Matt Kemp from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Adrián González, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Charlie Culberson and cash considerations.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 16, 2017
Source: Dodgers in agreement with righty Tom Koehler on a 1-year deal, pending physical.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 16, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers Acquire Matt Kemp, Sign Tom Koehler
Player Profiles
Kemp will come back to the club he played for to begin his career; he played his first nine seasons for the Dodgers. During his time in Los Angeles, Kemp won two Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Slugger Awards, and was named to two All-Star games. During the 2014 offseason, Kemp was traded, along with catcher Tim Federowicz and cash, to the San Diego Padres. In exchange, the Dodgers acquired catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitchers Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin. A day before the 2016 Trade Deadline, Kemp found himself one the move once again, along with cash, this time to the Braves. In exchange, the Padres acquired third baseman Hector Olivera. In his career so far, Kemp has hit .285, with 259 home runs and 920 RBI.
Gonzalez, per reports, will be designated for assignment by the Braves. In his time with the Dodgers, Gonzalez won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, and was an All-Star. In total, Gonzalez has four Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, and five All-Star appearances. His career stats include a .288 batting average, 311 home runs, and 1,176 RBI in 14 years in MLB.
Kazmir only played with the Dodgers for one year. In his career, Kazmir has been named an All-Star three times. In 12 MLB seasons, Kazmir holds a 4.01 ERA and 1,608 strikeouts in 1689.2 innings pitched.
McCarthy played for the Dodgers for three years of his career. In 12 MLB seasons, split between six teams, McCarthy has a 4.15 ERA and 843 strikeouts in 1,145 innings pitched.
Culberson played for the Dodgers for two years. He is the youngest player involved in the trade, at the age of 28. In five MLB season with three teams, Culberson is hitting .231, with six home runs and 45 RBI.
Koehler, the free agent signing for the Dodgers, has spent most of his career with the Miami Marlins, and as a reliever. He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, along with cash, in exchange for pitcher Osman Gutierrez. In six MLB seasons, he has a 4.39 ERA and 604 strikeouts in 784.1 innings pitched.
Trade Analysis
The Dodgers will have a homecoming with Kemp coming back to the organization, but he may not be there for along. According to reports, Kemp could either be traded again, or released by the Dodgers. The Dodgers also sign a nice relief pitcher in Koehler. The Braves not only get some nice pieces in this deal, but also take Matt Kemp’s $21.5 million salary off their books.
Main Photo:
