Cincinnati Reds Sign Former A's Utility Player
The Cincinnati Reds have signed former Oakland A's utility guy and clubhouse leader Tony Kemp to a minor league deal according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kemp had been with the A's since 2020 after coming over in a trade with the Chicago Cubs and provided numerous highlights in his days in green and gold.
At the end of the 2023 season, we asked Kemp what his favorite moments were in his time in an A's uniform. In addition to the highlights, he also said he had no regrets from his time in Oakland. "These last four years I have no regrets of how I played and what went on in this clubhouse. These guys, the staff, the PR team, especially Mark. Great journey. Obviously don't know what's going to happen next year, but I think I can look back at my time here and hold my head high for sure."
Kemp will now head to Reds camp without a clear path to the roster. All offseason there were questions about whether or not Jonathan India would be traded due to a glut of infielders, and as spring games are set to begin, India is still with the club. Kemp's best defensive position is arguably second base where Matt McLain turned in an impressive rookie campaign.
The 32-year-old can also play in the outfield, mainly in left. That's where Spencer Steer is stationed, and he doesn't look to be going anywhere after hitting 23 homers with 15 stolen bases in his rookie season.
For now, Kemp will serve as a veteran depth option. He also brings with him a great clubhouse presence and is someone that the younger players looked to for leadership and guidance in the Oakland clubhouse last season. With the Reds, he can provide those attributes whether he is in the minors or with the big-league club.
Last season in Oakland, Kemp hit .209 with a .303 OBP, five homers and 15 stolen bases. That came out to a 77 wRC+, but according to Sports Info Solutions, he was also the unluckiest player in all of baseball last season. This could end up being a very nice low risk, decent reward signing for the Reds, who also play in one of the game's most hitter-friendly parks.
If he makes it to Cincinnati, he'll be reunited with reliever Sam Moll, whom the Reds acquired from Oakland in the Joe Boyle trade, and Frankie Montas, who signed with the club during the offseason.
The A's play the Reds in camp on Monday, March 4 in Goodyear, and at the A's home in Mesa on Friday, March 22. The A's and Reds play three games during the regular season in August in Cincinnati from the 27-29.