ATLANTA (AP) – The Atlanta Braves have acquired pricey slugger Matt Kemp and cash considerations from San Diego for troubled outfielder Hector Olivera.
The Braves have tried for several months to unload Olivera following his April 13 arrest on domestic violence charges.
Despite arthritis in both hips, Kemp could boost the weakest offense in the major leagues. Atlanta has baseball’s worst record and ranks last in runs scored and homers.
The Braves have just one marquee everyday player, first baseman Freddie Freeman, and need more star appeal as they move a few miles north into a new suburban ballpark next year.
Kemp has a $21.5 million salary this year and is owed the same amount in each of the next three seasons.
Olivera has a $4 million salary this year and is owed $6 million next year, $6.5 million in 2018, $7.5 million in 2019 and $8.5 million in 2020.