The Dodgers have agreed on a trade that will send Matt Kemp to the Padres. Los Angeles will receive catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Joe Wieland and another prospect, the source said, while the Padres get Kemp and catcher Tim Federwicz. The prospect is right-hander Zach Eflin, according to multiple media reports. The Dodgers will also send about $32 million to San Diego to cover part of Kemp's remaining $107 million salary. The trade helps alleviate a logjam of outfielders in the organization.
The Dodgers' new front office has been looking to move bulky long-term contracts and to improve the atmosphere in the clubhouse, which was described as "dysfunctional" by several team sources last season. The glut of outfielders became a source of tension at various times throughout the season. Kemp, 30, looked rejuvenated this season after the All-Star break, hitting 17 of his 25 home runs and leading the major leagues in slugging percentage over that time period. Kemp finished second in voting for the National League MVP award in 2011, when he batted .324 with 39 home runs and 126 RBIs. He signed an eight-year, $160 million contract that winter. Injuries cost him more than 150 games over the last three seasons. He underwent a major shoulder operation after playing 106 games in 2012 and ankle surgery after playing 73 games in 2013.
