Dodgers: Could Matt Kemp Make the NL All-Star Team?

When the Dodgers traded for Matt Kemp last winter, they anticipated releasing Kemp, and the move was regarded as a salary dump.  So far, the move may be one of the only reasons the Dodgers are anywhere close to 500 right now.

If the question “Could Matt Kemp make the all-star team?” was asked before the season, the person asked that would think you were crazy and a big Dodger homer.  After a little more than a month into the season, this is starting to look like a valid question.  Matt Kemp has a legit shot at making the National League All-Star team.

As this is article is being written, Matt Kemp leads the National League in batting average with a .353 average.  Kemp also ranks inside the top ten in the NL in slugging percentage and OPS.  While there is still about two months until the all-star game, it’s starting to become clear that only three Dodgers have a chance at making the all-star team.  Those three are Matt Kemp, Yasmani Grandal, and Cody Bellinger.  Kemp might have the best shot out of the other two.

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Not only has Matt Kemp been a surprise offensively, but he is also holding his own defensively.  Kemp has a DRS of -2 in left field which is slightly below average, and he rates a tick above average with a  DRS of 1 in right field.  UZR /150 supports this data as Kemp is -6.0 in left field and 3.3 in right field.  While the negative six rating may look back, for comparisons sake, Kemp had a UZR.150 rating of -14 and -20 in the last two seasons.  Whether it is directly linked to his weight loss or some renewed motivation, Kemp is playing close to average defense which is an upgrade for him.

The most surprising part of Kemp’s season besides his improved defense is the fact that his average is so high.  Kemp hit .276 and .268 in each of the last two seasons, but he was known primarily for being a power hitter.  Kemp has slugged five home runs, but he is also taking what he’s been given and slapping base hits everywhere.  His signature has always been power to the opposite field, and Kemp displayed some of that last night as he hit the ball hard out to right field a couple of times.  He nearly won the game on a fly ball to right field that came up a few feet short.

Next: Should the Dodgers make a move or ride it out?

The Dodgers original intention was to release Matt Kemp before the season began if they couldn’t find a suitable trade for him.  Now he has once again turned into an essential part of the team with Yasiel Puig and Justin Turner missing from an anemic Dodgers offense.  While his average is likely to dip significantly given his 400+ BABIP, it would not be surprising if Kemp hit .280 or .290 the rest of the season.  Kemp is in the midst of a resurgent season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time given all the injuries.  There is a chance that Matt Kemp just might be the Dodgers only representative in the 2018 all-star game. Wouldn’t that be something?