Avoiding salary arbitration, Matt Kemp (.297, 26, 101) and the Dodgers agree to a rare multi-year offer that will pay the center fielder $10.95 million over the next two seasons. The 25 year-old Oklahoman, considered a core player in the team’s future, won the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger awards playing for the National League West champs last season.

The Mets and John Maine (7-6, 4.43) come to terms on a one-year, $3.3 million deal just after the right-hander filed for arbitration. New York’s projected number three starter was limited to 15 games last season, due to the lingering weakness from a 2008 surgery that removed a bony growth from the socket of his right shoulder.

The Padres trade 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Athletics for OFs Aaron Cunningham and Scott Hairston. Minor league infielder Eric Sogard accompanies Kouzmanoff on the road to Oakland.

The Diamondbacks designate OF Eric Byrnes for assignment. He signed a three-year contract extension after a great 2007 season, but has not been productive since, hitting .218 in 136 games while being constantly bothered by injuries. The D-Backs are on the hook for $11 million left on his contract.