Bleacher Report: Mariners Should Trade For Matt Kemp

We have all heard the latest trade rumors. We know the Mariners are interested in signing Nelson Cruz and possibly trading for another bat such as Justin Upton or Matt Kemp.

In an article posted on Bleacher Report by Matthew Smith, he suggests that the Mariners should in fact trade for Matt Kemp. It’s who they give up that may raise a few eyebrows.

"Now for the M’s to acquire Kemp, they will have to part with Taijuan Walker or James Paxton. This is a scenario that plays itself out no matter which hitter general manager Jack Zduriencik tries to acquire. They have the most value and are ready to contribute immediately.Of the two, Walker may be the preferred choice. After all, he is right-handed, and the Dodgers need another solid righty to complement Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dan Haren. That said, if Paxton were the guy offered, there is little doubt the Dodgers would be agreeable."

Would the Dodgers actually unload Matt Kemp for a single pitcher? If that’s the case, why haven’t they done this already?

I find it hard to believe that the Dodgers would only ask for Paxton OR Walker in a trade involving Kemp. I know he is owed a ton of money over the remainder of his contract, but the Dodgers aren’t exactly hurting for money.

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As for the trade itself, I like it. Trading for a guy like Kemp makes a lot more sense for Seattle than giving up Walker for a year of Upton or Yoenis Cespedes. Perhaps if Seattle is willing to pay Kemp’s entire contract, they would part with him for just Taijuan. Perhaps not.

Of course, in the same article, Smith also suggests that the Dodgers trade Yasiel Puig and a player to be named later to Philadelphia for Cole Hamels and cash considerations.

I was KILLED on social media when I suggested last month that Puig be traded and that he could have a home in Seattle. And are we to believe that the Dodgers would part with both Kemp AND Puig in the same offseason? That’s highly unlikely.

All I know, is if the price to get Kemp is Walker, I say make the deal Jack!