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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 biggest names on the market

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Matt Kemp (27) is congratulated after scoring during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Matt Kemp (27) is congratulated after scoring during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Matt Kemp, OF, San Diego Padres

Kemp is clearly nowhere near the player he once was, and San Diego is going to have to eat just about all of the $64.5 million remaining on his contract after this year if it hopes to move him. Still, Kemp is a recognized name around the league who might be able to provide a small amount a value to a team, provided he doesn’t have to play the outfield.

Many will remember Kemp for his remarkable 8.3 WAR season in 2011 with the Los Angeles Dodgers per FanGraphs.com that nearly resulted in an MVP award. Since then, Kemp has declined while battling through injury, posting no better than 3.2 WAR the next year.

A nice bounce-back season at the plate in 2014 led to a trade to San Diego, as new GM A.J. Preller tried to quickly build a contender. In a year and a half with the Padres, Kemp has been roughly a league-average hitter, including a .262/.278/.478 line this season.

The big concern is Kemp’s arthritic hips, which have caused him to be a major liability in the field over the past few seasons. However, a team with a need at DH like the Kansas City Royals or White Sox may get some small upgrade if they add Kemp.

San Diego isn’t going to get much of a return for Kemp, apart from maybe a tiny bit of salary relief. The Padres will also look to deal Melvin Upton Jr. and Andrew Cashner before the deadline. Tyson Ross could become one of the bigger names available if he proves his shoulder is healthy over the next month, but that’s a huge question mark for now.

Next: 14. Danny Valencia, 3B, Oakland Athletics

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