Matt Kemp is among a long line of Los Angeles Dodgers draft success, and his time with the organization included two separate stints.
Kemp emerged as a National League MVP candidate from 2006-2014 and was a productive reserve outfielder upon returning to the Dodgers organization for the 2018 season. The resurgence earned Kemp a selection to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game and consistent praise from manager Dave Roberts and teammates throughout the year.
Now four seasons removed from last playing at the Major League level, the 39-year-old is getting involved with the Dodgers once again.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are hiring Kemp for an advisory role:
The Dodgers are expected to hire former All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp in an advisory role in their organization.
Kemp joins Nelson Cruz and Chris Archer as former MLB players who were recently hired by the Dodgers. Cruz is primarily focused on providing guidance in Latin America, and Archer took on a flexible role in the Dodgers front office to explore a wide range of interests.
Coincidentally, the Dodgers had already planned a Matt Kemp bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium for Aug. 11. He’s also getting an opportunity to reunite with former teammate Andre Ethier, who has been in attendance at Dodgers camp to provide instruction to Miguel Vargas on his adjustment to left field, along with helping the group of outfielders.
Matt Kemp’s career
As Kemp’s production began to decline a bit, the Dodgers parted ways by including him in a trade with Tim Federowicz to acquire Zach Eflin, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Wieland from the San Diego Padres in December 2014.
The former Dodgers All-Star spent one full season with San Diego before getting traded to the Atlanta Braves in July 2016. Kemp returned to the Dodgers in December 2017 as part of a salary-motivated deal for both teams that notably included Adrián González as well.
One year later, Kemp was traded by the Dodgers to the Cincinnati Reds, who also acquired Alex Wood, Yasiel Puig and Kyle Farmer in the deal.
In his 10 seasons with the Dodgers, Kemp hit .292/.348/.494 with 240 doubles, 203 home runs and 733 RBI, won two Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Sluggers, made three All-Star Games and was a controversial second-place finisher to Ryan Braun for 2011 NL MVP.
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