Tony Kemp, formerly of the Oakland Athletics, has been released by the Cincinnati Reds. Kemp joined the Reds on a minor league contract earlier during the offseason and had been training with the major league team for the past few weeks.
During his time with the team, Kemp had been performing well, boasting a batting average of .333, an on-base percentage of .391, and a slugging percentage of .619. He also managed to hit a home run and drive in five runs across 8 games. Additionally, his plate discipline remained solid with only 4 strikeouts and 2 walks.
However, the primary issue lies in the Reds’ surplus of infielders. Despite third base prospect Noelvi Marte’s absence for the first 80 games of the season due to a positive PED test, the team’s infield is already densely populated. Consequently, Kemp’s chances of securing a spot on the opening day roster were slim.
Reds Release Tony Kemp https://t.co/ryFIlzklBV pic.twitter.com/YUkemnPJ8M
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 19, 2024
Recently, the Reds added Jeimer Candelario, who is coming off a remarkable season split between the Nationals and the Cubs. Moreover, they have a plethora of talented infielders like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McClain, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jonathan India competing for playing time. Their outfield is also packed.
The Reds are considered a dark horse contender in the NL Central, largely owing to their young and skilled infielders. Despite Tony Kemp’s positive influence and camaraderie, he didn’t quite align with the team’s current needs.
There’s optimism that Kemp might find a new team before Opening Day. Some organizations are in need of a second baseman or utility infielder, with the Dodgers notably struggling with their middle infield options. Teams like the White Sox could also benefit from bolstering their lineup with more major league-quality players.
Kemp showcased his proficiency during his time with Oakland and was highly regarded as a person as well. Hopefully, another team will recognize his value and give him the opportunity to continue contributing on the field.
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