Lester For Kemp? No Thank You

Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com wrote yesterday that the Red Sox are entertaining the idea of trading Jon Lester to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp.

Really?  I hope not.

I'm on record for the Red Sox to pay Lester.  Give him a 5-year deal for upwards of $130-million.  If he wants a sixth year, add it as a vesting option.  With his track record of success in a Boston uniform, Lester is worth the investment.

If, however, the Red Sox have made a decision to trade Lester (or just let him become a free agent) than I do not want them to take on a contract like Matt Kemp.

Kemp has been very successful and would fill a need for the Red Sox, a productive outfielder.  He was the runner-up for the National League MVP in 2011 when he batted .324 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI.  He has 162-game averages of 25 home runs, 91 RBI, and a .291 batting average.  He won't be 30 until September.

The problem with Kemp has been his injury history.  He played in just 106 games in 2012 and 73 games in 2013.  He has played in 95 games so far this season but the ankle and shoulder injuries that have plagued him have moved him from center field and have limited his production.  This year he is sporting a .277 batting average and has only 8 home runs and 40 RBI.

Kemp also is signed through 2019 with about $118-million left on his contract.

I don't see the logic in this rumored trade.

Why not just give Lester the contract that Kemp already has?

Or, why not find a trade partner that can give the Red Sox a better return on Lester than Matt Kemp?

I'd even rather see the Red Sox allow Lester to leave as a free agent this off-season and get back the draft pick compensation than take on Matt Kemp.

It's looking more and more like Lester is in his final days with the Red Sox - is Wednesday his last start at Fenway? - but the organization should not compound the mistake of losing Lester with adding an albatross of a deal for a player in decline like Matt Kemp.