Mariners' interest in Matt Kemp 'very real'

The Mariners' interest in Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp is "very real" and Los Angeles would look to eventually move the two-time All-Star to designated hitter if the teams can complete a trade before Thursday's deadline, Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports tweeted Sunday.

The Mariners' interest in Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp is "very real" and Los Angeles would look to eventually move the two-time All-Star to designated hitter if the teams can complete a trade before Thursday's deadline, Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports tweeted Sunday. 

Kemp, who is still owed $107 million through 2019, is being marketed hard for a trade by the Dodgers and said he would be interested in leaving Los Angeles if it meant a return to center field. 

The former National League home runs champion, who turns 30 in September, is batting .273 with eight home runs and 40 RBI this season. He signed a $160 million contract after the 2011 season but has since struggled in part because of injuries. 

Right now, Matt Kemp is a backup plan for the Mariners. But their interest is very real. Idea would be to transition him to DH eventually.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2014

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​- Marc Weinreich