Mariners Trade Deadline: An Analytical Look at Seattle’s Trade Options

July 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp (27) hits a two run RBI single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are known to be shopping Kemp due to their overload of outfielders, and Kemp’s struggles since battling injuries. He has been quite polarizing with M’s fans, with some willing to move Taijuan Walker for him, and others completely against acquiring him, no matter what the cost.

He was an MVP caliber player in the past, but he is no longer that same player. He has been nailed for -21 DRS in the outfield this year, and coupled with good, but not great offensive production, he was been worth -0.1 fWAR this year.

His defense has always been below average, but it may not actually be this bad. But if it is, or if it’s even close, he will have to hit like he did in the past if there is to be any chance of his being considered a good player again.

On the bright side, Steamer thinks his defense going forward will be much better (though still not good at a -3.2 DEF), along with a 122 wRC+ equal to his current mark, for 0.9 WAR throughout the rest of the campaign.

There is still the problem of his contract, which runs through 2019, with $107M left after this season. The Dodgers will definitely take on some of that, but how much? If this year is any indication of Kemp’s future, probably not enough. And to cap it off, Kemp thinks he is a good defensive CF and wants to play there, so a transition to DH, or even RF, won’t go over well.