Matt Kemp had an amazing season in 2011, one that has him as a leading contender for National League MVP. It appears he may remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers for quite some time. Multiple reports have Kemp on the verge of signing an eight-year contract extension worth approximately $160 million.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports first reported Monday that Kemp and the Dodgers were in serious discussions on a deal, and that was later confirmed by Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports and Buster Olney of ESPN. Bill Shaikin on the Los Angeles Times even went so far as to speculate that a deal could be announced Monday afternoon, as both Kemp and owner Frank McCourt will be in attendance at the dedication of a Dodgers dream field in Compton.
In 2011, Kemp led the National League in home runs (39), RBI (126), runs scored (115), total bases (353), and adjusted OPS+ (171). He had one more year of arbitration eligibility before hitting free agency, and was a lock to more than double the $7.1 million he earned in 2011. Factor in his 2012 salary, and the remaining seven years is basically similar to the contract Carl Crawford signed with he Boston Red Sox last winter.
For more reaction to the potential Kemp signing, be sure to read True Blue LA.