Fantasy Baseball Debate: Who Would Get the Better Deal in a Kemp-Hamilton Trade?

For the first time in recent memory, two clear-cut MVP front-runners have emerged just six weeks into the MLB season.

For the National League, it's Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, whose .404 average, 12 home runs and 27 RBI have him on pace to post historic numbers.

For the American League, it's Texas' Josh Hamilton, who—after a four-home run, eight-RBI night last night—is batting .406 with a league-leading 14 home runs and 36 RBI.

So, let the debate begin: If two fantasy owners were to swap the two outfielders, who would get the better side of the blockbuster deal? The way I see it, Hamilton and Kemp are remarkably similar players aside from two key factors.

Kemp's Speed Increases His Value

Having the ability to steal bases increases any fantasy player's value considerably and considering Kemp is coming off a 40-steal season, it's safe to say that he has that ability. Still, for whatever reason, Kemp has stolen only two bases in 2012, despite already recording 42 hits and drawing 19 walks.

One explanation for the drop-off could be the fact that a great deal of Kemp's hits have been home runs, doubles or triples, thus decreasing his base-stealing opportunities significantly. Whatever the case, it's safe to assume to he'll have his fair share of swipes by season's end.

Hamilton Is Part of a Much More Potent Lineup

The 19-11 Los Angeles Dodgers have been winning games, but the 20-10 Texas Rangers have been absolutely destroying their opponents, leading the league in runs (170), batting average (.293) and slugging percentage (.480).

Hamilton is the heart and soul of the Texas order, sure, but he's accompanied by several other guys who could easily be top hitters for a number of other franchises: Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, Mike Napoli...the list goes on.

Hamilton is going to get on base, and when he does, he's going to score. It's just that simple.

The Decision

With the facts laid out before us, who would get the better side of the fantasy deal?

As far as I'm concerned, it's Kemp by a hair. His power is similar to Hamilton's, his speed is unquestionable and, perhaps most importantly, he doesn't have a Hamilton-like history of injuries.

If you were going to trade a player of Kemp's caliber (which I don't suggest), you would have to make sure that the player or players you were getting return were durable enough to count on for the entire season. Hamilton is an absolute monster, but he will never be described as durable.

If you're lucky enough to have either Kemp or Hamilton on your fantasy roster, maybe the best is advice to avoid making a trade altogether. I think you'll be just fine.