Diamondbacks GM appointment leaves Dodgers’ Matt Kemp without an agent

Former All-Star pitcher Dave Stewart is the new general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, meaning Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp is now without an agent.

“He got me a deal,” Kemp said. “So I think I’m good until I’m 35.”

Stewart negotiated the eight-year, $160-million contract Kemp signed with the Dodgers before the 2012 season.

Kemp laughed when asked who would negotiate his next contract.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Maybe me.”

Asked whether he was in the market for a new agent, Kemp replied, “Am I in the market for a new agent? I’m really not worried about that right now. I’m just worried about these playoffs and winning a World Series.”

Kemp said he was delighted for Stewart, whom he considers a family member.

“I was just excited for him,” Kemp said. “I think this is something he’s wanted to do for a long, long time. He’s done everything in the game of baseball except that. This is another challenge for him. I think he likes challenges. I’m just happy. It couldn’t happen to a better person.”

Kemp thinks Stewart could change the culture of the Diamondbacks.

“Stew’s a winner, man,” Kemp said. “Stew’s always won. He’s a competitor. He expects a lot. He expected a lot out of his clients. He wasn’t just an agent, man. He was more than an agent. He was another dad, to me. That’s family. I know he’s close to [Chad] Billingsley. He’s close with all of his clients. It might be tough for some of them. But he’s always going to be family to me. Now, we just have a little competition.

“I want him to be successful, but I don’t want him to be too successful against us. I know if one day he beats us and I have a bad game, he might talk some mess to me. I can’t have that. I have to have the upper hand.”