Davidi: Toronto Blue Jays discussed Matt Kemp

Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp scores a run in the sixth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Toronto Blue Jays discussed a trade for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp at the recently completed GM Meetings.

Davidi is quick to point out that the talks gained no traction, which he says were during the winter meetings, but it’s assumed that he meant the GM Meetings that occurred November 11-14 at Disney World.

It’s strange that we are getting yet another report that the Blue Jays are discussing non-pitching acquisitions but at the same time it’s not unusual to hear that GM Alex Anthopoulos is making his rounds on just about everybody.

With the recently completed Prince Fielder–Ian Kinsler blockbuster that sent Fielder and $30 million from the Detroit Tigers to the Texas Rangers in exchange for the second baseman Kinsler still buzzing in baseball circles Davidi points out that the Jays’ discussion represents “the kind of bold thinking GMs are engaging in right now.” It was about this time last year that Anthopoulos was the one pulling the trigger on the biggest deal of the off-season so many Blue Jays fans are patiently waiting for what the young GM has in store as an encore.

Kemp, 29, missed time with injuries in 2013 and batted only 270/.328/.395 in 73 games for the Dodgers last season. He’s won two gold gloves and two silver sluggers and was runner-up to Ryan Braun for the National League MVP in 2011.

The Blue Jays current center fielder is Colby Rasmus, who batted .276/.338/.501 and contributed 4.8 WAR in 2013 and is entering his final year of arbitration.