Dodgers: Projecting the Dodger Lineup After the First Flurry of Moves

6. Matt Kemp, Left Field

The biggest change to last year’s Dodger team comes as a return from a Dodger from the past. The Dodgers traded for Kemp last weekend, well at least for now, he’s the Dodgers starting left fielder. If the Dodgers are unable to find a trade partner for Kemp, he’ll fill in the left field hole the Dodgers have this season.

With Alex Verdugo lurking, Joc Pederson’s encouraging World Series, and Andrew Toles returning from injury, that spot was up for grabs. But at least for now, Kemp is taking over. While Kemp is coming off of a down season with the Braves, Kemp provides upside that neither of the players mentioned above offers.

To be quite honest, Kemp is a shell of what he once was during his first stint with the Dodgers. While he doesn’t possess the .320, 40-40 upside he owned back in 2011, he’s still capable of being productive on the offensive end.

Over the past two seasons, Kemp has hit 54 home runs with a .271 average and 172 RBI. While his OBP is low (.309) and strikeout rate is up (24%), he’s a middle of the lineup bat that is capable of producing runs.

Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Kemp still possesses the ability to hit .260 – .270 and hit 20-25 home runs over the course of a full season. His RBI numbers would depend on where he hits in the lineup. But over the past two seasons, Kemp is hitting .260 (71/271) with 10 home runs and 114 RBI with RISP.

I’m not going to lie; I’m a homer because Kemp was one of my favorite players since 2008. But I like Kemp to help produce runs for the Dodgers. I would say, however, Puig’s performance last season has earned him the right to hit fifth ahead of Kemp. Plus, the strikeout numbers with Bellinger and Kemp would be astronomical for our four and five hitters.