Why the Dodgers Should Not Trade Matt Kemp

Sep 20, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp (27) during batting practice prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Dylan Hernandez, the venerable voice of the Dodgers from LA Times has an interesting article in which he quotes Matt Kemp‘s agent Dave Stewart as saying “”I’d be surprised (Kemp being traded) if it doesn’t happen.”

As Baseball’s Winter Meetings begin tomorrow my humble opinion is that the Dodgers would be nuts to trade Kemp, unless they get Evan Longoria. Coming off of 2 injury plagued seasons Kemp’s value is at an all time low, why deal him?

As we saw with the Dodgers glut of Starting Pitching entering the 2012 season you can never be too deep at any position. With 4 outfielders the Dodgers are in a position of strength. Yes Joc Pederson is knocking on the door, but he has yet to play a game above AA. Do we really expect more than 100 games from Carl Crawford? Why in the world would you even consider trading Yasiel Puig who looks like a superstar in the making. Andre Ethier would seem the most likely candidate to be moved but isn’t it nice to have him possibly playing all 3 OF positions as you give your 4 outfielders days off?

So Ned Colletti can sit back, listen to offers and if he’s blown away, which I think would have happened by now, he’ll make a move. But remember this is a club that won 92 games last year, were 2 games away from the World Series so why make any radical moves? Yes third base is a need but who is out there that the Dodgers could get. I don’t see the Padres making a move within the division and sending Chase Headley to LA.

Finally, the Dodgers have some legitimate talented position player prospects in Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and pitchers Zach Lee and Ross Stripling who both had solid years in AA Chattanooga last season; so why mortgage your future? Unless, you get the proverbial offer you can’t refuse.

So as we all eagerly await the start of Spring Training Dodgers fans should sit back, enjoy what they have on their 40 man roster and wait and see. Trading Matt Kemp would not be a priority in my book. And rest assured the guys making these decisions know a lot more about what their doing than any of us so let’s trust the system. It’s worked out pretty well so far in my humble opinion.