Matt Kemp Baseball Career Overview
Matt Kemp is a retired professional baseball outfielder and third baseman who played in Major League Baseball from 2006 through 2020. He is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became a two-time All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award in 2009 and the Silver Slugger Award in 2011. Kemp also played for the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds, compiling a career slash line of .279/.353/.506 with 303 home runs and 1,000 runs batted in across 1,994 games. His peak seasons between 2011 and 2013 featured multiple 30-homer campaigns and a 40-homer season in 2012, cementing his status as one of the top power hitters of his generation in the National League.
Kemp's career trajectory shifted after his time with the Dodgers, as injuries and declining defensive metrics reduced his role in the league. He signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves in 2016 and later returned to the Dodgers in 2018 before finishing his career with brief stints in Chicago and Cincinnati. His final MLB appearance came in 2020, and he has since remained connected to the sport through broadcasting and mentorship roles. His career earnings from MLB contracts totaled over $120 million, making him one of the higher-earning players of his era.
Matt Kemp Contracts and Earnings
Major Contract Milestones
Kemp signed an eight-year, $160 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006, which was one of the largest deals for a player under the age of 25 at the time. The deal included $35 million in incentives and covered the 2009 through 2016 seasons, with a club option for 2017. In 2015, he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the San Diego Padres, followed by a one-year, $4 million deal with the Atlanta Braves in 2016. His later contracts with the Dodgers in 2018 and the Cincinnati Reds in 2020 were minor league deals with base salaries below $2 million each.
Career Earnings Breakdown
Kemp's cumulative career earnings from MLB contracts exceeded $120 million, with the majority coming from his Dodgers extension. His 2012 season was his highest-paid year at approximately $21 million, while his final MLB season in 2020 earned him a base salary of $1 million plus performance bonuses. After retiring, he has explored business ventures and media opportunities, though he has not disclosed detailed post-career income figures publicly. His financial profile reflects the typical earnings arc of a star player who signed a long-term deal early in his career.
Matt Kemp Net Worth and Post-Career Activities
Estimated Net Worth
Matt Kemp's estimated net worth is approximately $50 million as of the latest available public reports, based on his career MLB earnings, endorsements, and post-retirement activities. His wealth is primarily derived from his playing contracts, with additional income from media appearances and business investments. Kemp has maintained a relatively low public profile since retiring, focusing on family and private ventures rather than high-profile endorsement deals.
Business and Media Involvement
After retiring from professional baseball, Kemp has engaged in select business and media opportunities, including appearances on sports networks and involvement in youth baseball clinics. He has not launched major independent business ventures or brand partnerships that are publicly documented. His post-career financial