Dodgers acquire Matt Kemp in wild five-man deal that sets them up for big future spending

In a deft and startling bit of financial maneuvering that will enable them to pursue free agents like Bryce Harper with impunity one year from now, the Los Angeles Dodgers dumped four players on the Atlanta Braves and reacquired outfielder Matt Kemp on Saturday.

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez, infielder Charlie Culberson and pitchers Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy - along with $4.5 million - were sent to the Braves in exchange for Kemp, a two-time All-Star and MVP runner-up with the Dodgers. 

This time around, however, Kemp represents financial relief rather than a cornerstone player. The Braves have designated Gonzalez for assignment, and it wouldn't be surprising if Kemp never actually takes the field for the Dodgers. 

This is a distinctly 2017 baseball trade, motivated by economic efficiency and the vagaries of the collective bargaining agreement.

In dealing approximately $48 million in 2018 salary to the Braves, the Dodgers will duck under the 2018 luxury tax threshold of $197 million. That enables them to reset their penalty levels when next winter's star-studded free agent class comes online. 

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That's no small thing: In 2017, the Dodgers paid approximately $244 million in payroll and benefits. As at least a three-time luxury tax offender, the Dodgers will be taxed at a rate of 50% above the $195 million 2017 threshold — about $25 million. They'll pay at least $10 million more in surtaxes, putting their total tax bill between $35-$40 million — this after paying $31.8 million last year. 

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With the most recent collective bargaining agreement adding additional poison pills involving draft picks and even more penal surtaxes, the Dodgers' motivation to slip below the barrier was strong. 

By bidding farewell to franchise icon Gonzalez, two pitchers who slotted toward the back end of their group of eight starters, and a reliable utilityman in Culberson, they did just that - just barely, for now. 

Based on arbitration projections by MLB Trade Rumors, plus benefits to all on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers' projected opening day roster lands at around $198 million as it regards MLB's competitive balance tax. 

However, they can trim further payroll by trading or releasing any of their eight arbitration-eligible players - candidates could include catcher Yasmani Grandal, utilityman Kike Hernandez, outfielder Joc Pederson and pitchers Tony Cingrani, Pedro Baez, Luis Avilan and Josh Fields - and replace them with players making at or just above the major league minimum.

Even after dealing Kazmir - who will make $16 million in 2018 - and McCarthy ($10 million) the Dodgers are still long on starting pitching. Their current rotation lines up with left-handers Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, Rich Hill and Hyun-jin Ryu, along with right-hander Kenta Maeda.

But the Dodgers will be willing to deploy many more starters than that - they made liberal use of the 10-day disabled list in 2017 - to get through the season. Ten pitchers started games last year even as they enjoyed a relatively smooth 104-win season. 

In 2018, right-handers Ross Stripling and Brock Stewart will provide immediate depth, while top prospect Walker Buehler - who debuted in relief in 2017 - may arrive for good sooner rather than later. 

Kemp, 33, was the 2011 NL MVP runner-up after hitting 39 homers for the Dodgers, and he signed an eight-year, $160 million extension after that season. But he was traded to the San Diego Padres after the 2013 season, and is far removed from the elite performer he was the first time he was in L.A.

Kemp batted .276 with 19 homers and a .318 on-base percentage last year for Atlanta. He also grounded into a major league-high 25 double plays. 

Like Gonzalez, he will make $21.5 million this season, but also is due $21.5 million in 2019. Eating his salary would be nothing new for the Dodgers - they paid Carl Crawford $35 million to not play for them this year and most of 2016. 

And in a 13-player, three-team deal in 2015 that netted them Wood, the Dodgers took on first baseman Michael Morse and the $8.5 million Morse was due in 2016. Morse was immediately designated for assignment. 

This time, the moves may have far more important ramifications that may not come to light until this time next winter.