Report: Twins sign Tony Kemp to minor league contract

Kemp is a veteran left-handed hitter who can play second base and outfield.

Mar 30, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Tony Kemp (12) runs to / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting Tuesday morning that the Minnesota Twins have signed veteran utility man Tony Kemp to a minor league contract.

Kemp, 32, owns a career batting line of .237/.324/.351 and over the last three seasons has a line of .248/.328/.348. Kemp is considered a good contact hitter from the left side of the plate, having struck out just 298 times in 2,247 career plate appearances. That's a career strikeout rate of just 13.2%.

Kemp played in five games this season with the Orioles before being designated for assignment. He can play both corner outfield positions but is best known for playing second base. He made an incredible over-the-shoulder sliding catch in foul territory in Baltimore's April 9 bame versus the Red Sox.

Tony Kemp with an over-the-shoulder catch going into foul territory! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0Hc74P5gnE

— MLB (@MLB) April 9, 2024

It's unclear if the Twins will give Kemp a chance in the big leagues, but considering the Twins have had a strikeout problem early this season, a solid contact bat in the lineup might be a good option.