Five MLB teams, namely the Blue Jays, Pirates, Reds, Red Sox, and Yankees have expressed interest in veteran Tony Kemp, who is currently a free agent for the first time in his career, according to a report by FanSided’s Robert Murray. Kemp, a versatile player with experience at second base and left field, spent the last four years with the Oakland A’s.
The 32-year-old Kemp has been a consistent presence on a young and rebuilding Athletics team, serving as a bridge between the last competitive squad and the current rebuilding phase. His playing time has predominantly come against right-handed pitching, although he shifted to left field in the latter part of the 2023 season due to Zack Gelof’s emergence at second base.
Kemp’s offensive performance in the 2023 season was subpar, hitting .209/.303/.304 over 419 plate appearances. Despite this, Kemp had shown strong numbers in a part-time role with the A’s in 2021 and the Astros in 2018. However, his career batting record is generally below average, with a 94 wRC+.
Considering his recent performance, it is likely that teams interested in Kemp see him as a potential bench piece or platoon option. Additionally, Kemp’s positive influence in the clubhouse is noted, making him an appealing presence for any team.
Of the teams mentioned, the Red Sox appear to be the most suitable fit for Kemp, given the right-handed-hitting projected starters in left field and second base. Red Sox manager Alex Cora’s familiarity with Kemp from their time together in Houston also adds to the potential fit.
The Pirates, with a crowded second-base competition, could benefit from Kemp’s experience and leadership, providing depth in case none of the young players stand out. Kemp’s reputation as a leader could be particularly valuable for the Pirates, as experienced voices have had a positive impact on the team in the past.
While the Reds, Yankees, and Blue Jays could use more left-handed balance in their lineups, Kemp’s fit is less straightforward due to their existing depth in second base and left field options. However, Kemp’s experience may still make him an attractive option for these teams, providing a proven commodity in case younger players require more development time in the minors or face challenges at the plate.
