SAN DIEGO — Desperate for a power bat to punch up the worst offense in the majors, the San Diego Padres have a deal in place to acquire outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz from the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two pitchers, two people familiar with the trade said Thursday.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced by either team.
The deal is pending physical exams and the commissioner's office approving the Dodgers sending $32 million to the Padres to help offset the $107 million remaining on Kemp's contract.
The Padres' obligation of $75 million to Kemp over five years becomes the biggest deal in club history. Kemp twice made the All-Star team during his time in L.A., as well as winning two Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards. His 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.
The Dodgers had a logjam in the outfield and the Padres had catching to move.
The 30-year-old Kemp had a strong second half in 2014 for the NL West champion Dodgers. He finished the season with a .287 average, 25 home runs and 89 RBIs.
Kemp signed a $160 million, eight-year deal after his career year in 2011, when he hit .324 with 39 homers and 126 RBIs. He was runner-up to Ryan Braun for NL MVP.
The Padres now have five outfielders under contract for 2015, although two of them, left fielder Carlos Quentin and center fielder Cameron Maybin, have had a hard time staying on the field due to injuries. Kemp will likely play right or left.