Report: Dodgers to Hire Fan Favorite to 'Advisory' Role
The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't done adding to their talent off the field.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes have surrounded themselves with talented ex-big leaguers, from Raul Ibañez to Nelson Cruz. The Dodgers are adding to their star-studded front office again.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale was among the first to report the Boys in Blue are expected to hire former All-Star and fan favorite Matt Kemp in an advisory role.
The Dodgers are expected to hire former All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp in an advisory role in their organization.
The three-time All-Star is expected to return to the team where he spent ten unforgettable years of his career. The Dodgers originally drafted Kemp in the sixth round of the 2003 MLB Draft.
Kemp broke through in 2006. His best season came in 2011, when he finished second in the National League Most Valuable Player race, recording career highs across the board. Kemp slashed .324/.399/.586 with a .986 OPS, 39 home runs and 136 RBIs.
Although a shoulder injury sapped his power at the plate, Kemp was still a popular Dodger when he was traded after the 2014 season to the San Diego Padres. Fans were outraged about the move.
Ultimately, Kemp came back for a second stint in 2018 via trade and played a big role in leading the Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series appearance.
Now, the two-time Silver Slugger Award winner is back in Los Angeles for his third stint. He's excelled in Los Angeles his entire career, and it should be no different as an advisor.
Only two current Dodgers played with Kemp during his original stint in Los Angeles: pitcher Clayton Kershaw (who's currently on the injured list recovering from off-season shoulder surgery) and infielder Miguel Rojas.
Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, Austin Barnes, and non-roster invitee Daniel Hudson were teammates with Kemp during his 2018 encore.
