Report: Mariners have 'very real' interest in Dodgers' Matt Kemp
Tap here to access our MLB Trade Tracker which includes all trades and rumors leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.
The Seattle Mariners have lost their grip on the American League's second Wild Card spot, falling a half game back of both the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays after leading by 2.5 games just six days ago.
The Mariners have not been shy about spending over the past couple of seasons, notably opening their wallets for ace Felix Hernandez and second baseman Robinson Cano, as they chase their first playoff berth since 2001.
As the 2014 trade deadline approaches, the Mariners appear ready to dip into the bank again. They've already been linked to Rays pitcher David Price and Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd, and now they're apparently getting in on Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.
Right now, Matt Kemp is a backup plan for the Mariners. But their interest is very real. Idea would be to transition him to DH eventually.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2014
The M's desire to add outfield help is understandable, as they've gotten very little production from their current crop of outfielders, particularly on offense. Dustin Ackley has posted an OPS of .656, Endy Chavez .632, James Jones .625, Stefen Romero .545.
Their entire outfield crop has combined to hit 19 home runs - only the Royals' outfielders have hit fewer - and Michael Saunders, the guy leading the brigade with six, is on the DL with an oblique injury.
Kemp may be a shadow of his former MVP-worthy self, but he would still provide a major boost to Seattle's lineup. He's currently hitting .273/.339/.429, with eight home runs and 22 doubles, good for an OPS+ of 117.
His defense has suffered mightily in recent years, thanks largely to a slew of knee and hamstring injuries, plus a torn labrum and damaged rotator cuff that necessitated surgery in 2012. The Dodgers this season moved him out of his primary position in centerfield, first into left, and most recently into right.
If they can acquire him, the Mariners evidently hope in the long run he can remain effective at the dish if they eliminate his workload in the outfield. They'd have to be pretty confident in that to be willing to take on the five years and $107 million Kemp will be due after this season.