Matt Kemp says goodbye to Dodgers fans

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The Dodgers traded outfielder Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres on Thursday as part of a package deal including catcher Tim Federowicz. In exchange, the Dodgers received catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Joe Wieland and another pitcher. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Matt Kemp rounds the bases after hitting a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning against the Cardinals in Game 2 of the National League divisional series on Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Since making his debut for the Dodgers in 2006, Matt Kemp has been a mainstay in the outfield for most of the last eight years. Yet the Dodgers dealt him to San Diego. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

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Kemp hits his first career home run during his rookie season against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 1, 2006. Kemp batted .253 that season with seven home runs and 23 RBIs. (Francis Specker / Associated Press)

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Touted as a five-tool player with great speed and batting power, Kemp had his breakout season in 2008, hitting 18 home runs and stealing 35 bases. (Sam Wolfe / Associated Press)

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In the 2009 season, Kemp made his first All-Star appearance. He finished the season with a .297 batting average, 26 home runs, 101 RBIs and 34 stolen bases. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)

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Kemp showcased more than his skills with the bat in 2009. He was also recognized for his fielding ability, winning his first Golden Glove award that season. (Paul Buck / EPA)

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As a new baseball star in Los Angeles, Kemp rubbed shoulders with Hollywood stars. He dated pop star Rihanna beginning in November 2009. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

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Kemp’s numbers took a dive in 2010, when he batted only .249 with 28 home runs and 89 RBIs. Kemp also set the single-season Dodgers record for most strikeouts with 170. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Kemp’s slump was a thing of the past by 2011. He had the best season of his career by far, setting personal records in home runs (39), RBIs (126) and stolen bases (40). He finished second in the National League MVP voting behind Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

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Despite being snubbed for the National League MVP award, Kemp was rewarded for his 2011 season with an eight-year, $160-million contract extension. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

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After missing just 11 games from 2008 to 2011, Kemp missed 145 games total in the 2012 and 2013 seasons due to injuries. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Kemp returned healthy at the beginning of the 2014 season, but his productivity was not impressive. In the first half of the season, Kemp batted .269 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs and stole just five bases. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp warms up before a game against the Cardinals in June 2014. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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Dodgers right fielder Matt Kemp looks on during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 27, 2014. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

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Matt Kemp argues with home plate umpire Dale Scott after striking out in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the NLDS on Oct. 6, 2014. (Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images)

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Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp laughs during batting practice before a game against the Washington Nationals on Sept. 1, 2014. (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

By Dylan Hernández

Columnist

Dec. 11, 2014 2:20 PM PT

REPORTING FROM SAN DIEGO —

In a message posted on his Instagram account Thursday, Matt Kemp said farewell to the fans of Los Angeles who cheered him over the last nine seasons.

Kemp will play next season with the divisional rival San Diego Padres, who acquire Kemp, catcher Tim Federowicz and $30 million-plus in exchange for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two pitching prospects, according to people familiar with the situation.

Kemp wrote to the 430,000 followers of his account: “It is with a lot of emotion that I say goodbye to the city and the fans who have been there since the beginning of my career. You have given me so much. Your faith and support for the last 9 years through good times and bad, homestands and home runs was showcased through the volume of your cheers and the love for your team. I’m thankful to the Dodgers organization for taking a chance on an Oklahoma kid. I believe we control our paths. The paths we take, control our destiny. I’m excited for the future. God Bless”

Dodgers fans could see Kemp next on opening day, April 6, 2015. The Dodgers host the Padres that day.

Follow Dylan Hernandez on Twitter @dylanohernandez