Dodgers: Matt Kemp signs minor league deal with the Rockies

Matt Kemp has found a new home with the Colorado Rockies.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp will be returning to the National League West after signing with the Colorado Rockies, according to USA Today. It appears to be a minor league deal.

The three-time All Star will replace Ian Desmond who announced through a powerful message on social media on Monday that he will opt out of playing this season for a variety of health, family, and social justice considerations.

Kemp was a non-roster invitee for the Marlins in March, but wasn’t invited back to summer camp. The Rockies started zeroing in on the former Dodger once it became clear that Desmond might opt out.

During the offseason, Kemp, 35, said he hopes to play at least four more years.

"“I’m for real. I can still do some damage out there,” Kemp said (via the Associated Press). “This is a redemption year. I had 40 at-bats last year, but I was an All-Star in 2018. Seriously, I can still play.”"

Of course, Dodger fans remember Kemp for his time with the organization from 2006-2014 (he later returned in 2018). After the 2011 season, it was arguable that Kemp was one of the best all-around players in baseball after finishing second in MVP voting.

If Kemp makes the Rockies’ major league roster, he will be arriving to a place where he has thrived in his career. Over 86 games, he has batted .327/.389/.616 at Coors, with 21 home runs and 77 RBIs.

Teams are allowed to carry 60 players in their player pool who are eligible to play this season. A player must still be moved to the 40-man roster before they are added to the active roster.

The Dodgers and Rockies are set to face off ten times this season. Major League Baseball is still finalizing the exact dates of the schedule over the next few weeks. If the current iteration of the schedule comes to fruition, the Dodgers would open the season at home against the San Francisco Giants.