Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp was proud to see his nephew, Josiah Kemp, picked in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Unfortunately for Dodgers fans who want to cheer on the next generation of Kemps, though, the younger player — also an outfielder — was taken by the San Francisco Giants in the 12th round.
Josiah Kemp was drafted out of Choctaw High School in Oklahoma, and Matt Kemp highlighted the accomplishment on social media with a pair of celebratory emojis.
Josiah Kemp had previously signaled that he'd play college baseball at the University of Oklahoma, though a recent check of his social media showed the Giants' handle in his bio.
Choctaw's Josiah Kemp runs home to score during a baseball game between Piedmont and Choctaw at Piedmont, Okla., Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Credit: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Baseball America writer Ben Badler reports that Josiah Kemp, a four-star prospect for college ball, is an "intriguing" pick.
"Simple, contact-oriented swing, athletic CF with good defensive instincts," Badler wrote.
Matt Kemp waits for his nephew, Choctaw's Josiah Kemp, to sign with the University of Oklahoma baseball during signing day at Choctaw High School in Choctaw, Okla., Wednesday Nov. 12, 2025. Credit: SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The three-time MLB All-Star had clearly been following his nephew's burgeoning baseball career, as he was pictured alongside the youngster at a signing ceremony for the Sooners.
Kemp played 15 years in the big leagues, including those three All-Star campaigns in 2011, 2012 and 2018, all with the Dodgers.
In his first All-Star year in 2011, he came in second in MVP voting and had an 8.0 bWAR, which led the National League.
VERO BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 27: Outfielder Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses during Photo Day on February 27, 2007 at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. (Photo by: Doug Benc/Getty Images)
He also was named a Silver Slugger twice and won the Golden Glove twice, each time with the Boys in Blue.
In his career, he also played for the San Diego Padres , Atlanta Braves , Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies .
For his career, he slashed .284/.337/.484/.821 and recorded 1,808 hits, 287 home runs and 1,031 RBIs.
