Dodgers five worst signings this decade

6 of 6

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 26: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on prior to Game Three of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

1) Matt Kemp

8-years, $160 million

Another example of a deal that appeared good at the time, Matt Kemp was in the prime of his career, 26-years-old, coming off a sensational season in which he finished second in MVP voting after leading the league in home runs, RBIs, and runs scored. The homegrown talent was developing into an elite five-tool player. His 2011 season one of the best all-around seasons on record. Beyond the home runs and RBIs, he stole 40 bases, hit .324, and won the Gold Glove award.

So when the Dodgers rolled out the red carpet to sign their young stud to an eight-year, $160 million contract extension, it was hard to blame them. In fact, it was celebrated. The Dodgers organization was in the midst of financial turmoil with Frank McCourt settling bankruptcy and divorce filings that left the team cash-strapped and seeking new ownership.

Why does this signing make the list of the worst contracts in Dodgers history if everyone and their mother would have signed him to the same deal? As I said in the introduction, this list is based on results relative to contract value. Matt Kemp went from a rising star ready to take over Hollywood to the biggest contract bust over the past decade.

More from Dodgers Way

After playing 161 of 162 games in 2011, and building up a streak of 399 consecutive games played, Kemp was limited to 179 games over the first two years of his mega-extension. Hamstring injuries kept him out of the lineup for large chunks of the 2012 season. He would later injure his shoulder crashing into the outfield wall, forcing him to undergo surgery in the offseason.

Kemp’s shoulder rehab slowed his start the following season, and then the injuries started to pile up. Between hamstring and ankle injuries, he found himself on the disabled list or completely off balance at the plate in the second year of his extension. He played in only 73 games, often hearing boos from the hometown crowd. After hitting 62 home runs over the previous two seasons, he was limited to six in 2013.

Following the 2013 season, trade rumors began to percolate, but he remained with the Dodgers and returned to full health in 2014, playing in 150 games. However, his first season back in the everyday lineup was far from drama free. He struggled mightily in the outfield, eventually leading manager Don Mattingly to move him to left field. It was no secret that Kemp was unhappy, and the Dodgers weren’t thrilled with him.

On December 11, 2014, the Kemp era, only three seasons into his 8-year, $160 million contract, came to an abrupt end. He was traded to the Padres in a move designed to clear as much money as possible off the Dodgers books. They sent $32 million of the $107 million remaining on his contract to San Diego, officially wiping their hands of the worst contract of the past decade.

Ironically, Kemp would return to Los Angeles in 2018 in another move to clear mistakes off the ledger, as the Dodgers sent Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, and Brandon McCarthy’s contracts, along with a few other particulars, to the Braves in the deal.

Next. The five best hitting pitchers in Dodgers history. dark

Kemp had a nice season in his return. He played in 146 games, batted .290/.338/.481 with 21 home runs over 146 games. He was traded after the season with Yasiel Puig to the Reds.

Honorable Mentions

Not everyone can make the top five list, so here are a few honorable mentions:

Andre Ethier (5-years, $85 million)

Juan Uribe (3-years, $21 million)

Ted Lilly (3-years, $33 million)

Home/Dodgers History