Dodgers trade rumors: Three ways to make space for Yu Darvish
By Jason Reed
Trade #2:
Trading Matt Kemp is the most logical way for the Dodgers to free up cap space. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, it is also the hardest thing to accomplish. Kemp’s only shot at being an average MLBer is as a designated hitter. His terrible fielding cannot make up for his slightly above average power and makes his $43 million over the next two seasons become frightening.
If the Dodgers want to get rid of Kemp they are going to have to find an American League team (due to the DH) that has salary space. Alongside Kemp, the Dodgers are going to have to package at least one elite prospect alongside another promising one.
That American League team with salary cap space is the Chicago White Sox, that elite prospect is outfielder Alex Verdugo, the promising prospect is Dennis Santana. Realistically, this is the kind of price the Dodgers are going to have to pay.
Sure, the Dodgers are giving up their top hitting prospect in Alex Verdugo. However, the farm system is deep with the likes of Yusniel Diaz, Jeren Kendall and Starling Heredia.
Not to mention there may not even be a spot for Verdugo on the big leauge roster. If Kemp was traded without him then a door would open. With Kemp there, there is no realistic opening.
In return the Dodgers get a somewhat decent prospect in Jameson Fisher and an outfield depth piece in Willy Garcia. Most importantly, though, the Dodgers are opening up $43 million over the next two years.