Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun Trade Rumors Surface; Dodgers, Brewers Discussing Swap

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly in talks regarding a trade that would involve swapping veteran outfielders Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun.

According to Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA, Milwaukee would also get prospects in the deal, but it is "hung up [on] one specific player the Dodgers don't want to move."

Braun notably won the National League MVP award in 2011, while Kemp finished second in the voting.

Now 34, Braun has two years remaining on his contract after 2018 with a mutual option for 2021, per Spotrac. From 2018 through 2020, Braun will earn an average annual salary of nearly $19 million.

Comparatively, Kemp is signed for 2018 and 2019 at an annual salary of $21.5 million, according to Spotrac.

The 33-year-old Kemp played for the Dodgers from 2006 through 2014 before getting traded to the San Diego Padres. L.A. reacquired him this past offseason in a trade with the Atlanta Braves.

Last season, the two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner hit .276 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI with the Braves.

In 2016, he hit .268 with 35 homers and 108 RBI split between the Braves and Padres.

Kemp is currently L.A.'s starting left fielder, although Joc Pederson will likely factor into the mix this season as well.

Braun is coming off an injury-plagued 2017 season that saw him hit .268 with 17 home runs and 52 RBI. Like Kemp, he had a better 2016, as he hit .305 with 30 homers and 91 RBI.

A six-time All-Star—Braun is currently in a unique situation with the Brewers.

After Milwaukee signed Lorenzo Cain and traded for Christian Yelich, Braun was pushed into a role as a fourth outfielder.

He has also learned first base and is scheduled to split time with Eric Thames at the position.

If a deal is struck, Braun could return to his natural position of left field as a starter for the Dodgers, while Kemp would likely provide depth in Milwaukee's outfield behind Cain, Yelich and Domingo Santana.