The Reds have launched infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp, per his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He had beforehand signed a minor league cope with the membership and that pact allowed him to choose out if not on the roster by March 23. The Reds introduced yesterday that he had been reassigned to minor league camp.
Whether or not he triggered his opt-out or the membership proactively let him go to seek out his subsequent membership, the tip end result is similar. Kemp is now a free agent once more and can go searching to seek out his subsequent gig.
The Reds have a reasonably crowded place participant combine, regardless that infielder Noelvi Marté was not too long ago hit with an 80-game PED suspension and outfielder TJ Friedl is ready to overlook prolonged time because of a wrist fracture. They nonetheless have Jeimer Candelario, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand to take common infield roles, as Spencer Steer, Jake Fraley and Will Benson may very well be taking the outfield enjoying time. Jonathan India may very well be shifting between the infield and outfield whereas all that group rotates via the designated hitter spot. Gamers like Stuart Fairchild and Nick Martini are on the roster and will tackle bench/depth roles.
With all of these choices available, a few veterans on minor league offers have been squeezed out. One other veteran utility man, Josh Harrison, opted out of his minor league deal yesterday after being knowledgeable he wouldn’t be making the membership. Each he and Kemp will probably be hoping to seek out new golf equipment within the coming days, presumably ones with cleaner paths to enjoying time.
Kemp, 32, had a strong run with the Athletics over the previous 4 years. He restricted his strikeouts to a really low price of 11.7% whereas additionally drawing walks at a wholesome 10.5% clip. He didn’t do an excessive amount of injury, hitting simply 20 dwelling runs in 1,488 plate appearances, however his contact method led to a .240/.330/.345 batting line and 97 wRC+.
Sadly, his most up-to-date season was the weakest of these 4, as he hit simply .209/.303/.304 final 12 months for a 77 wRC+. However he nonetheless proved helpful in different methods, stealing 15 bases whereas splitting his time between second base and left area. His glovework has been thought of round common in left with the metrics cut up on his protection on the keystone. He has eight Outs Above Common as a second baseman in his profession however -17 Defensive Runs Saved.