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Tony Kemp Getting Interest From Five Teams

By Mark Polishuk | February 4, 2024 at 9:57pm CDT

The Blue Jays, Pirates, Reds, Red Sox, and Yankees have all shown interest in veteran second baseman/left fielder Tony Kemp, FanSided’s Robert Murray reports.  These are the first teams linked to Kemp this offseason, as the 32-year-old is a free agent for the first time in his career.

One of the few experienced players on a young and rebuilding A’s team, Kemp has spent the last four years in Oakland, bridging the gap between the last contending Athletics club and its current state of extreme teardown.  Most of his playing time has some against right-handed pitching (though Kemp’s career splits are pretty even against both righties and lefties), and Zack Gelof’s emergence at second base meant that Kemp was mostly a left fielder in the back half of the 2023 season.

Kemp’s own lack of production didn’t help his cause for more playing time, as he hit only .209/.303/.304 over 419 plate appearances last year.  Kemp posted strong numbers in a part-time capacity with the A’s in 2021 and the Astros in 2018, though he has generally been a below-average hitter during his career, with a 94 wRC+.

It seems likely that any of Kemp’s suitors would be viewing him as a bench piece or platoon option at best, plus the respected Kemp would be a boost in any clubhouse.  While he played some center field early in his career and he has a handful of games as a right fielder and shortstop, it seems like Kemp is pretty set as a two-position player, and the public defensive metrics have been more positive about his work as a left fielder than at second base.

Of the five teams mentioned by Murray, the Red Sox might be the cleanest fit for Kemp given that Tyler O’Neill and Vaughn Grissom (their projected left field/second base starters) are both right-handed hitters.  Utilityman Rob Refsnyder is right-handed and infield backup Enmanuel Valdez is short on big league experience, perhaps creating an opening for Kemp on the roster.  Red Sox manager Alex Cora is also a familiar face, as Cora was on Houston’s coaching staff during Kemp’s time with the Astros.

The Pirates have a pretty crowded second-base competition heading into the season, with Ji Hwan Bae, Liover Peguero, Nick Gonzales, Jared Triolo, and others all battling for time at the keystone.  While the Bucs would prefer to see one of their youngsters grab the job, adding a seasoned player like Kemp could help add some depth in the event that nobody really breaks out.  Kemp’s reputation as a leader could also be particularly useful for a young Pirates team, particularly after several players spoke of how the addition of such veteran voices as Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Santana helped the club last year.

New York, Cincinnati, and especially Toronto could all use some more left-handed balance in their lineups, though Kemp isn’t as clear-cut of a fit given how all three of these teams are already pretty deep in second base and left field options.  Kemp’s experience could again be a factor here as something more of a proven commodity, in case any of the Reds’ prized young infielders need some more minor league seasoning or if the Yankees want some depth in case Oswaldo Cabrera or Oswald Peraza don’t develop at the plate.

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Boston Red Sox Cincinnati Reds New York Yankees Pittsburgh Pirates Toronto Blue Jays Tony Kemp

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53 Comments

  1. Alvo Sumatro

    2 years ago

    Underrated and his alleged slash line is meaningless because the stadium wasn’t adjusted for his style of play and the Colliseum also wasn’t adjusted for his stage of career

    3
    Reply
    • mlb fan

      2 years ago

      Wasn’t Kemp one of the few Astros(or perhaps only) to decline to participate in the trash can cheating that went on in Houston?…

      6
      Reply
      • Alvo Sumatro

        2 years ago

        Great guy.

        5
        Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          2 years ago

          There should be about 20 teams interested. How many teams are there in Asia?

          4
          Reply
      • kmk1986

        2 years ago

        My god get over it dude I bet your team has cheated in the past sick of hearing the same stupid jokes and I’m not even an Astros fan. Of course the redsox would be linked to another scrub player

        2
        Reply
        • ronnsnow

          2 years ago

          You sure sound like an Astros fan,

          3
          Reply
        • Hannibal8us

          2 years ago

          MLB still holding on to the Black Sox scandal, so I’d say give it a 100 years and maybe just maybe the fraudulent world series title the Stros won and the subsequent slap on the wrist will be forgotten.

          3
          Reply
      • oscar gamble

        2 years ago

        @mlb fan: Yes he was. An Astros fan went back and reviewed video and Kemp had zero “trash can beats” during his at bats.

        3
        Reply
        • bucsfan0004

          2 years ago

          Yes, we can all hear when the trash can beats were made and who benefited from them. Kemp had none.

          Fun fact: Did you know there were no “trash can beats” during the playoffs? Amazing, huh?

          1
          Reply
        • Keena

          2 years ago

          Yeah, just buzzers taped to players like Altuve.

          1
          Reply
    • itsmeheyhii

      2 years ago

      I mean… his slash line isnt alleged. It is what it is.

      You can use something like OPS+ or wRC+ if you prefer but thats a weird way to put it.

      3
      Reply
    • kmk1986

      2 years ago

      Def not underrated u probably say that about every player

      Reply
  2. SweetLou

    2 years ago

    Fits what the jays are doing. Which is… i dont i know??!! Lol

    2
    Reply
    • Diggydugler

      2 years ago

      If there is one thing Jays need its another poor hitting utility player.

      2
      Reply
      • its_happening

        2 years ago

        That fine line where the obvious answer is wrong and your comment is 100% correct.

        1
        Reply
  3. towinagain

    2 years ago

    Of course the Padres aren’t listed.

    1
    Reply
    • OldSaltUSN

      2 years ago

      Thank God! The Pads can pick up scrape heap free agents on the cheap at any time (In fact, they had quite a few of those on the squad a few years back.)

      1
      Reply
      • kmk1986

        2 years ago

        I honestly don’t see any value with tony kemp besides maybe a pinch runner

        1
        Reply
    • mlb fan

      2 years ago

      “Pads aren’t listed”…Personally I feel the Pads have had a decent off-season. Of course they didn’t “win” the off-season, but they straightened their course and accomplished a bit of their needed financial reset. They are miles behind the Dodgers, but I expect to see the Pads compete vigorously for a wild card spot in ’24.

      1
      Reply
  4. Cincyfan85

    2 years ago

    Tony Kemp seems like a good guy and leader. I’m not sure how he fits on the Reds though. They have Jonathan India splitting time with Matt McLain at 2B. They also have two left handed bats in the corner OF with Will Benson and Jake Fraley. If anything, the Reds could use a right handed bat to platoon with Benson/Fraley against LHP while also being able to backup TJ Friedl in CF.

    4
    Reply
    • JMO2493

      2 years ago

      Ole Randy Grichuk is your guy

      1
      Reply
      • mlb fan

        2 years ago

        “Grichuk is your guy”..I would take Kemp over Grichuck all day. They’re both bench players on a good team, but Kemp does far more things and brings an excellent energy & enthusiasm level.

        1
        Reply
        • kmk1986

          2 years ago

          U must be tony kemp

          1
          Reply
        • mlb fan

          2 years ago

          “U must be Tony”…Good one. You made me laugh with that one. I’m not “Tony”, but I’m not high on Randall Grichuk at all.

          Reply
      • avenger65

        2 years ago

        Cincyfan85: One thing the Reds don’t need is another IF. But I’m glad he’s getting some interest. I wondered why him and Seth Brown were never traded.

        1
        Reply
    • kmk1986

      2 years ago

      Leader ??? Wtf u even talking about ?

      Reply
      • This one belongs to the Reds

        2 years ago

        The Reds need another infielder like a hole in the head, but this front office likes to collect them and forget about the ace starting pitcher they need.

        Reply
    • tonyinsingapore

      2 years ago

      The Reds had two platoon, RH Outfield bats that mashed lefties and got rid of both – Senzel and Hader. And as jammed as the IF may be, they still signed Hernan Perez, Josh Harrison and are now looking at Kemp.

      Reply
  5. 178iq

    2 years ago

    The Yankees sure love a .200 hitter lmao go get him. Give him a Hicks contract.

    4
    Reply
  6. landt143

    2 years ago

    Once again my team the Red Sox interested in trash they’re testing me not one good anything from them and anyone who follows anything in sports knows

    Reply
    • mlb fan

      2 years ago

      Baseball is better when the Rsox are competitive and contending. One can only hope they’re laying the ground work for something greater later and I do get it’s futile buying expensive free agents if you don’t have a strong nucleus or core to add them to.

      Reply
      • 178iq

        2 years ago

        Baseball is better when the Red Sox finish last in last place. Only thing better is when the Yankees finish 2nd to last place.

        2
        Reply
        • avenger65

          2 years ago

          I don’t know. I kind of like it when the Red Sox finish last in first place. THE SOX WILL RISE AGAIN!!!!

          Reply
    • kmk1986

      2 years ago

      For real there is no value for kemp not even sure how he is even still in the league

      Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 years ago

      You have to admit that Cora would have a hard time getting Kemp type production out of any rookie in Boston’s system. Its such a high bar.

      Reply
  7. ❤️ MuteButton

    2 years ago

    I never understand why teams would sign somebody like this when they could bring up somebody from AAA that might actually have a future in the big leagues. Tony Kemp is a good guy. Tony Kemp also has AAA, not big league talent . If he makes his way onto a roster, good for him.

    4
    Reply
    • Alvo Sumatro

      2 years ago

      Your loss.

      1
      Reply
  8. Rsox

    2 years ago

    What the article doesn’t state is that “interest” is probably on minor league invites to training camp. Kemp doesn’t really fit a need on any of those teams and would need either an incredible spring or injuries to other players to make any of them

    1
    Reply
  9. CrikesAlready

    2 years ago

    Q:Jurickson Profar is a LF/2B… Why aren’t the Yankees interested in *him*?

    A:Preller will sign him to the Padres for a guaranteed 7y/$25M with a full no-trade and an 8th year player option.

    Me:Argh!

    1
    Reply
    • kmk1986

      2 years ago

      Cuz profar sucks doesn’t get on base strikes out a lot and his defense sucks he’s one of the most overrated players

      Reply
  10. dave frost nhlpa

    2 years ago

    Rather have IKF.

    2
    Reply
  11. its_happening

    2 years ago

    Blue Jays have no need for Kemp. But if declining bats are a thing get him signed.

    Reply
    • mlbnyyfan

      2 years ago

      The Yankees don’t need anymore minor league contract players. The Yankees depth should be okay. If not they can try Rivas or Jeter Downs. Still waiting for Yankees to trade Torres for some pitching

      Reply
      • its_happening

        2 years ago

        That’s cool but I wasn’t talking about the Yanks.

        Reply
  12. big boi

    2 years ago

    How many bench infielders do the jays need?

    Reply
  13. thickiedon

    2 years ago

    Decent addition on a minor league deal with Spring Training invite OR play overseas

    Reply
  14. astick

    2 years ago

    So pay more for Nick Senzel. Of whom they had. Got it.

    Reply
  15. PiratesPundit51

    2 years ago

    Does anyone else get the sense that agents just call up Murray and say that a team has called, no matter when that was, and Murray is obliged to print it to maintain his insider access?

    I mean, the agent wants to drive up prices on his client; and it actually benefits the teams named in many cases if they’re pursuing another similar option to scare that player into taking the deal in front of them, lest the inquiring team go another direction.

    That’s why I don’t think you see teams denying “interest” in a player, but I generally feel like these stories are more smoke than fire and don’t really indicate anything more than a phone call at some point during free agency saying “what’s your client looking for?”

    1
    Reply
  16. Juggy

    2 years ago

    I can definitely tell you one thing the Yankees don’t need Kemp. They’re all set up no problem Yankees need a little bit more of a pitching depth in order for them to succeed. If not, they’ll be back next to last the American league east

    Reply
  17. Larry Elliott

    2 years ago

    The Jays should go right after this guy. His .200 batting average would fit nicely into the useless number 5-9 hitters that they have already.

    Reply
  18. joew

    2 years ago

    Hard pass. He’s around average or worst on defense. He’ll make the plays that he should but his bat just isn’t good enough.

    A minors contract maybe but not and MLB deal when you have a good amount of young players needing time.

    Reply
  19. Keena

    2 years ago

    The .209 batting average, surely, must be enticing for Brian Cashman. He’d fit right in the Yankees lineup.

    Reply
  20. jabgdn

    2 years ago

    I’d like to think the Pirates have moved beyond Kemp level players.

    Reply

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