Padres Increasing Effort To Acquire Matt Kemp From Dodgers

The San Diego Padres are increasing the intensity of talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers regarding a potential trade that would bring them outfielder Matt Kemp.

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What was once routine chatter is now becoming serious, as the San Diego Padres are reportedly increased their efforts in a bid to get outfielder Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While the Padres have gotten the Dodgers to back away from adding minor league catching prospect Austin Hedges, San Diego would have to offer more than just catcher Yasmani Grandal in order to acquire Kemp. The Dodgers are eyeing pitcher Matt Wisler, the seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft, as a part of the package.

The Padres have been working hard to add some offensive thump after finishing the 2014 season with the worst offense in the majors. San Diego was in the running for Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas, but lost out to fellow National League West opponent Arizona.

San Diego hit just 109 homers, with only Grandal hitting more than 12 round-trippers. Grandal added 49 RBI while hitting just .225 in 125 games between catcher and first base.

Kemp batted .287 with 25 homers and 89 RBI with the Dodgers last season and has five seasons remaining on an eight-year, $160 million contract. Los Angeles has to make a move to ease the glut of outfielders currently on their roster, as Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Yasiel Puig, along with top prospect Joc Pederson and Chris Heisley, who was acquired from the Reds in a deal last week.

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