The specter of Matt Kemp in left field to start 2018 is enough to send Atlanta Braves fans into fits of despair. Ideally they’ll trade him but that won’t be easy.
At 33 years old a healthy Matt Kemp would never be traded. Even with diminished speed and a slowing bat he could be penciled in for 30 home runs and 100 RBI with above average defense. The problem is, Kemp wasn’t healthy in 2017 and the injuries he suffered are likely to recur.
Aside from two arthritic hips, he’s had hamstring issues off and on since 2012 in every season except 2016, shoulder issues in 2013 that appeared briefly in 2015, and ankle injury that eventually led to surgery in 2013.