Orioles Latest Team In Matt Kemp Sweepstakes

The Baltimore Orioles are now in the Matt Kemp sweepstakes, as the defending AL East champions are in scramble mode after losing Nelson Cruz to the Seattle Mariners.

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Another day, another potential new home for Matt Kemp.

The Baltimore Orioles are now reportedly in the hunt for the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, as they seek to fill a huge vacancy in the wake of Nelson Cruz’s signing with the Seattle Mariners earlier this week. However, despite the fact there are at least two other teams showing interest in prying Kemp away from Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers may actually be getting cold feet when it comes to pulling the trigger.

Cruz’s signing may have pulled the Mariners away from pursuing Kemp, yet there is a chance Seattle has one more major deal left in them this winter. The San Diego Padres have already had discussions with the Dodgers about Kemp, but Los Angeles’ asking price — which would include top catching prospect Austin Hedges — may be too steep for the Pads.

San Diego has been open when it comes to moving minor league catcher Yasmani Grandal and has put pitchers Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy on the market for a hitter that would improve an offense that was the worst in the majors in 2014.

The Dodgers, who already have Kemp, Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Yasiel Puig in the outfield, added outfielder Chris Heisley in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. With top-tier prospect Joc Pederson also waiting in the wings, chances are very good Los Angeles will be clearing outfield space before Spring Training.

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