The Los Angeles Dodgers have four outfielders that are capable starters, and they could look to move one of them this winter.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Dodgers are “aggressively” trying to trade Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford or Andre Ethier. They are reportedly not interested in shopping Yasiel Puig.
If the Dodgers are successful in trading one of the aforementioned players, they may have to eat some salary. Carl Crawford, who appeared in just 105 games last season while battling injuries, is owed more than $20 million per season over the next three years. Kemp proved he is healthy last season by appearing in 150 games, but he still has five years and $107 million remaining on his deal.
Ethier is the cheapest of the three options, with $54 million remaining on a deal that includes a $2.5 million buyout in 2018. That said, he obviously has the lowest ceiling of the three players from a skill standpoint.
If I’m a general manager interested in making a trade with the Dodgers, I’m taking a shot with Kemp. He’s the youngest of the three and is a few seasons removed from an MVP-caliber season. While he may cost the most in terms of salary and compensation, Kemp can be a difference-maker when healthy.
