This offseason has been rough for a number of top free agents. Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell had to settle for a two-year deal. Former MVP Cody Bellinger is going year-to-year with his three-year pact that includes opt-outs after each season. Snell can choose free agency after the '24 campaign as well.
But there are free agents you hear less about, like veteran Tony Kemp, that had to settle for a minor-league deal in the first place. His agreement with the Reds reportedly had an opt-out looming on March 23 if the eight-year vet didn't make the club. The Reds reassigned him on Monday. It's unclear if his release was caused by the team honoring the opt-out, or getting ahead of it.
Now Kemp will be on the search for a new club.
Unfortunately, the A's seem fairly full at the positions he is accustomed to: second base and left field. The team is potentially set to open the season with six outfielders, and Zack Gelof is pretty entrenched at the Keystone.
There aren't a lot of teams in dire need of a second baseman at the big league level at the moment. That could change in time due to injuries or with an unproven player getting off to a tough start, but right now those opportunities don't appear to be readily available.
On the bright side, Kemp, if he's amenable, could take another minor-league deal, but this time with a team that offers a situation that's a better fit for him. That could mean more potential playing time, a bench spot, or just something closer to his family.
Kemp has shown over the course of his career, and especially in his time in Oakland, that he is a big-league caliber player. He's also a great clubhouse guy that is a great influence and example for younger players, making him a fit on just about any roster in baseball.
Someone will sign TK, and hopefully soon.
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