Three-time All-Star OF Kemp signs
Still looking for answers offensively, the Miami Marlins are hoping they’ve found a reclamation project who can help contribute in the outfield.
The Marlins have agreed to a minor league contract with former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, a source confirmed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. A three-time All-Star, Kemp will receive an invitation to major league spring training and have an opportunity to make the team.
Kemp met with team officials last week during the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego.
The deal reunites Kemp, 35, with former manager Don Mattingly. The Marlins skipper coached Kemp for four seasons (2011-14) in Los Angeles during his previous stint as the Dodgers manager.
Making his debut in 2006, the 14-year MLB veteran was one of the best outfielders in baseball through his first six seasons. In 2011, he finished second in the National League MVP voting, hitting .324/.399/.586 (168 wRC+) with 39 home runs, 33 doubles and a 8.3 WAR.
While injuries have decreased his effectiveness over the past few years, he’s a year removed from an All-Star season with the Dodgers in 2018, hitting 21 home runs and 25 doubles.
Before the 2019 season, Kemp was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in a sevenplayer blockbuster trade.
He only played 20 games in the 2019 season and was released in April. Kemp signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets in May, but never reached the majors, and was subsequently cut a month later.
Kemp holds a lifetime .285/.337/.485 slash line with 281 home runs and 335 doubles.
Seeking to an improve an offense that ranked last in most statistical categories last season, the Marlins have also acquired Baltimore Orioles infielder Jonathan Villar and Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jesus Aguilar this offseason.
At last week’s MLB Winter Meetings, president of baseball operations Michael Hill said the team was still focused on adding another impact bat to the lineup.
Potential free agent options for the Marlins include Kole Calhoun, Corey Dickerson and Yasiel Puig.