Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees Teams Expressing Interest in the Former Utility Player for the A’s
The Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Boston Red Sox have also expressed interest.
More than a week remains until spring training, and several free agents remain unsigned. Tony Kemp, a beloved former utility player for the Oakland A’s, is one of them. A number of teams are interested in hiring the 32-year-old for the upcoming season, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.
The Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees are the teams who have expressed interest in signing Kemp. He would have an option among several intriguing clubs if he receives an offer from each.
He would reconnect with former colleague Chris Bassitt in Toronto, but with Davis Schneider emerging as a regular player at second base and three reliable outfielders in the lineup, consistent playing time may not be forthcoming.
He might be used as a bench bat by the New York Yankees, but it would need Oswaldo Cabrera or Oswald Peraza to be kept in the minor levels.
Vaughn Grissom, who was just acquired by the Red Sox as part of the Chris Sale trade with the Atlanta Braves, will play second base. Emmanuel Valdez, a left-handed hitter who typically plays second base but can also move around the field when necessary, is expected to start the season on the Sox bench.
Despite being a very young player, Kemp has shown to be a leader in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse. He may add value to the club by assisting with the team’s chemistry, even though his position on the field with the Pirates would not be guaranteed.
With too many infielders already, the Reds might make an interesting fit, with Jonathan India serving as the team’s designated hitter. Matt McLain, their second baseman, is one of several rookies that made an impression in 2023. If they chose to take a different direction from Will Benson, he may be an option in their outfield; but, Benson would also be less expensive for comparable production.
Frankie Montas and Sam Moll, two of his former colleagues, would also be present.
There is a reason why so many teams are interested in adding Kemp in some form, even though he isn’t a perfect fit on any of these teams. He is a terrific guy to have in the clubhouse, as we have already indicated. During the team’s 50-112 campaign the previous year, some A’s players acknowledged turning to him as a leader. They also told reporters that he was always the same guy in the clubhouse on a daily basis, regardless of what was going on.
Additionally, even though he hit.209 with a.303 OBP, five home runs, and fifteen stolen bases, the contact he made ought to have produced much higher outcomes. A few weeks ago, someone over at Sports Info Solutions stated that Kemp was projected to hit for a.273 average, a.743 OPS, and a.384 slugging percentage. Last season, he was the most unlucky hitter in baseball.
That OPS would have been roughly Dansby Swanson (.744) or India (.746). That SLG would have been slightly ahead of Yankees center fielder Anthony Volpe and somewhat behind Daulton Varsho, for whom the Jays sold some great pieces.
According to FanGraphs’ predictions, Kemp will bat.253 with an OBP of.336 and be somewhat below league average in the upcoming season. Having more league-average or better bats on your squad has its benefits, and when you combine that with teammates who gush about him, you can sure that he’ll get hired soon.
