MLB Trade Rumors: L.A Dodgers Willing To Trade Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp Likely To Stay Put
The Los Angeles Dodgers are more likely to trade Andre Ethier instead of Matt Kemp as the ballclub plans to infuse more youth next season, a source close to situation reported last week.
According to ESPN baseball insider Jim Bowden, Ethier's days with the Dodgers are apparently numbered with Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti leaning towards the acquisition of young prospects and draft picks.
All-Star slugger Kemp has been the subject of trade rumors as of late following reports that at least six teams - including the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox - have shown interest in trading for the versatile hitter.
However, Bowden believed Kemp will stay put in Los Angeles because he's the only legitimate center fielder on the Dodgers roster. The insider added Ethier is most likely the odd man out as the Dodgers prepare for the arrival of top prospect Joe Pederson.
"Further, the Dodgers have also thrown a wrench into the outfield market because they've told teams they'll at least listen to offers on Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford," Bowden said in his ESPN insider report via WCB Sports.
"The Dodgers would love to get out from under some of the financial exposure of their outfielders. As Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told me, he wants his outfield to get younger, and with top prospect Joc Pederson possibly ready for the majors in August, the Dodgers can afford to trade one outfielder."
The Dodgers have already dangled Ethier in a trade with the Texas Rangers, but it took place prior to the Ian Kinsler-Prince Fielder swap a few weeks ago.
The 31-year-old Ethier batted .272 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs in 142 games last season for the Dodgers. Since making his big league debut in 2006, Ethier has boasted a batting percentage of .288 with 1,153 hits, 141 homers and 587 RBIs.
The Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are expected to be possible contenders to land Ethier via trade.