San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – After clearing hurdles, the blockbuster
deal sending outfielder Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers to San Diego
Padres was finalized Thursday night.
In addition to Kemp, the Padres acquired catcher Tim Federowicz from the
Dodgers in exchange for catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitchers Joe Wieland and
Zach Eflin.
Los Angeles is also sending the Padres $32 million towards the remaining $107
million Kemp is owed on his contract, which runs through 2019.
The deal hit a snag when USA Today reported Thursday that Kemp’s physical
revealed arthritis in both of his hips.
Kemp has been hampered by hamstring issues in two of the last three seasons,
missing 51 games in 2012 and 73 in 2013. The 2011 National League MVP runner-
up did play in 150 games this past season, batting .287 with 25 home runs and
89 RBI.
Padres first-year general manager A.J. Preller has been aggressive this
offseason in trying to improve an offense that was the worst in the majors in
2014. In addition to the potential Kemp trade, Preller reportedly has swung a
deal to acquire 2013 American League Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from Tampa
Bay as part of a three-team swap that also involves the Washington Nationals.
