Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Braves trade Matt Kemp to Dodgers in major salary swap

The Braves hope to improve their defense, and one area where they could do it quickly would be to replace injury-slowed left fielder Matt Kemp.
The Braves hope to improve their defense, and one area where they could do it quickly would be to replace injury-slowed left fielder Matt Kemp.
By
Dec 16, 2017

The Braves and Dodgers announced a five-player trade Saturday afternoon that sent outfielder Matt Kemp back to Los Angeles.

Atlanta added starting pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir, infielder Charlie Culberson, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and cash. Gonzalez was designated for assignment.

The Dodgers snuck under the $197 million luxury tax threshold, while the Braves open an outfield spot for top prospect Ronald Acuna.

Kazmir and McCarthy have endured several injuries through the recent years, with both presenting moderate upside when healthy.

Culberson could be a utility option. He’s played sparingly for the Dodgers the past two seasons, with his most memorable performance coming at the end of the 2016 campaign, when Culberson hit a walk-off home run to clinch the NL West in Vin Scully’s final home game.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

Follow Gabriel Burns on facebookFollow Gabriel Burns on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has noted in the past there’s value in spending dollars rather than surrendering young talent. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

The Braves have ample spending room, so their options aren’t limited by finances. There are free-agent starters galore, and the trade market offers additional avenues.

Braves bring back reliever Danny Young on split contract

The Braves bring back left-hander Danny Young, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, on a nonguaranteed deal for bullpen depth.

The Latest

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, seen here announcing Walt Weiss as manager, has some work to do this offseason.

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Braves Report: Making deals and voting Dale

2h ago

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

Braves bring back reliever Danny Young on split contract

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Local GOP sees ‘danger’ in a chaotic race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican leaders in Georgia's 14th Congressional District worry a crowded field in a special election could give Democrats a chance to win.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Two centennials, one story: Delta and the Atlanta airport

Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson both turn 100 this year, and you can’t tell the story of one without the other.