Athletics Acquire Tony Kemp From Cubs
Jan 14, 2020, 12:22 PM | Updated: 12:22 pm
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The former Houston Astro will provide Oakland with help in both the infield and outfield
As Spring Training approaches, the Oakland Athletics are making moves to finalize their roster before pitchers and catchers report in the coming weeks.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Athletics have acquired utility man Tony Kemp from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league infielder Alfonso Rivas.
Kemp, 28, spent over three seasons with the Houston Astros before being dealt to Chicago during July’s trade deadline.
Over 283 career games, Kemp has hit .233 with 15 home runs, 70 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Used mostly as a utility man, Kemp was mostly used by the Astros as a late-game defensive replacement and pinch-hitter. The newest Athletic has logged innings at each outfield position, as well as designated hitter and second base.
The Oakland depth is starting to look like a strength for the 2020 season, with the likes of Kemp, Robbie Grossman, Seth Brown, Mark Canha, Chad Pinder and Franklin Barreto all in the mix for playing time.