Report: Orioles interested in outfielder Matt Kemp
The Baltimore Orioles engaging in discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers over outfielder Matt Kemp, reports Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
The San Diego Padres are also reportedly interested in the two-time All Star, as are the Seattle Mariners.
The Orioles will do their due diligence, according to Rosenthal, because of Kemp’s injury history. Kemp missed time in 2013 because of ankle and shoulder injuries, but bounced back and played in 150 games last season. Baltimore is also interested in possibly acquiring Atlanta Braves outfielder Justin Upton.
The Orioles are seeking to replace right fielder Nick Markakis, who signed a four-year deal with the Braves worth $44 million and designated hitter Nelson Cruz, who signed a $57 million, four-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.
Kemp, 30, hit .287 with 25 home runs and 89 RBI last season for Los Angeles and still has $107 million left on an eight-year deal that he signed in 2011. His contract runs through the 2019 season.
Kemp has a career .292 average with 182 home runs and 648 RBIs. He led the National League in home runs in 2011 and finished second in Most Valuable Player award balloting that season.
- Scooby Axson
