Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason and with the latest hot stove rumblings, it appears the New York Yankees and their division rival and defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox are both trying hard to land the slugger by trading for him.
The Yankees and Red Sox join a list that includes every team in the American League East--the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays--as well as the Seattle Mariners for teams that are interested in acquiring Kemp, despite the slugger coming off of yet another injury-marred season.
The Boston Globe reported that the Yankees had interest in Kemp and that general manager Brian Cashman inquired with the Dodgers about what it would take to bring Kemp out east to the Bronx. With Kemp's inability to stay healthy along with Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford all looking for playing time in the outfield for Los Angeles, it seems highly probable that the Dodgers may end up moving him.
According to The Latino Post, a report by ESPN pondered a possibility of what it would take for the Yankees to land Kemp, and stated that it might be a trade for former Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia.
"The Los Angeles Dodgers have a crowded outfield, and likely have to trade one of Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier or Carl Crawford due to the emergence of Yasiel Puig (and top prospect Joc Pederson isn't far behind)," the ESPN report said.
The Texas Rangers were rumored to be interested in Kemp as well last month:
Kemp went .270 with six homers and 33 RBIs last season for Los Angeles after missing significant time due to injuries. The injuries somewhat diminish his trade value as teams may be wary of taking on his contract since he's always a risk to miss time.
Back in 2011, Kemp hit .324 with 39 homers, 126 RBIs and 40 stolen bases, which was good enough to put him in the National League Most Valuable Player Award voting where he eventually finished in second place to Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Yankees could conceivably part ways with Sabathia as he's been in decline, but he would still be a nice weapon to add to the middle of a Dodger's rotation that has two-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Dan Haren.
Sabathia was 14-13 in 2013 with a 4.78 ERA.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, have a lot of talent in the farm system that the team could part with to try and land Kemp and they also have the ability to take on a big contract this season.
It remains to be seen if the Dodgers will be willing to move Kemp, but the outfielder has garnered a lot of interest out east.
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