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The Yankees only have one reasonably safe bet in their outfield for 2014 in Brett Gardner after the departure of Curtis Granderson. Shin-Soo Choo and Jacoby Ellsbury represent free agent options that would come at a high price, but the Yankees have decided to preliminarily explore the trade market by inquiring about Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Kemp is currently signed to an eight-year, $160 million deal that would make him a free agent following the 2019 season. With Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, Yasiel Puig, and Kemp, the Dodgers' outfield is a bit overcrowded which could lead to them unloading one of their bigger contracts to free up space. Kemp is coming off two seasons that were riddled with injury problems, which could bring down the value the Dodgers would seek in return. If the Yankees were willing to take on some extra money, which would probably mean abandoning Plan 189, they may be able to buy low on Kemp and get a decent return.
Multiple teams have contacted the Dodgers about their All-Star outfielder, including the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Rangers. Kemp is just two seasons removed from finishing second in MVP voting behind Ryan Braun with a .324/.399/.586 batting line and 39 home runs. He batted .270/.328/.395 in 73 games last season.
Do you think he is worth pursuing for the Yankees to improve their outfield situation? What's the most you'd be willing to give up for Kemp?