Ranking the N.L. West in 2015: Right Field

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Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

There was a time in the not too distant past when Matt Kemp was actually one of the best players in baseball. In 2011, Kemp led the National League in home runs and RBI while finishing second in the MVP ballot as he just missed a 40/40 season. He appeared set to replicate those numbers in 2012 before injuries cost him approximately two months of the year.

While Kemp had a solid bounceback season in 2014, posting a .287/.346/.506 to go along with 25 home runs, his speed is all but gone at this point in his career. After stealing 40 bases in that excellent 2011 season, Kemp has stolen 26 over the past three seasons combined.

Kemp is also an injury risk at this point. While he managed to stay healthy last season, he only appeared in 179 games combined in 2012 and 2013, missing time with hamstring and shoulder injuries. In fact, Kemp’s trade to the Padres was delayed due to concerns over his hips, leading to the Dodgers paying $32 Million of his remaining salary.

If Matt Kemp is healthy, he could still be one of the better outfielders in the National League. That is, however, the $76.25 Million question for the Padres. Until he can prove otherwise, Kemp is the fourth best right fielder in the National League West.

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