Tony Kemp Keeps Proving His Value As A Big Leaguer

Tony Kemp is in his second year with the Oakland Athletics, and the talented utility player is having one of his finest statistical seasons.

Ever since he came into the league, Kemp has found a way to make an impact on the field and he’s doing just that with the Athletics.

The 29-year-old can be versatile on defense and he can play second base or any position in the outfield.

 

A multi-faceted player like Kemp also  gives manager Bob Melvin more options to be creative offensively. 

He can be effective as a starter, pinch hitter, pinch runner, or a defensive replacement.

The six-year veteran has never gotten a real shot at playing consistently, but the  Athletics are one of the top teams in the American League and Kemp will be a key piece going into the postseason.

 

 

Standing just 5-foot-6, Kemp goes out there and plays like he’s much taller than that.

Kemp, can straight up ball with the best of them and it’s no surprise that he’s made himself a valuable asset in Oakland.

 

This season Kemp is batting .252 with four home runs and 19 RBI through 92 games played.

His 92 games played are the third most games he’s played in the season.

The most games he’s played in his career came in 2019 season when he played a total of 110 games between two teams.

 

There’s a good chance Kemp will surpass that number of games this season if he can stay healthy.

Our MLBbro recently had one of his best offensive performances of the season on August 12th.

Kemp put together a three-hit performance against the Cleveland Indians. It was his second three-hit outing of the season and first since June.

Kemp has a chance to finish this season with career-highs in multiple offensive categories.

His highest batting average came in 2018 when he was a member of the Houston Astros.

He hit .263 that season and finished with career-highs in hits (67), home runs (six), runs scored (37), doubles (15), and RBI (30).

Let’s be real, Kemp will certainly surpass the runs scored and possibly home runs. He has not only shown plate discipline but his power has increased.

 

He’s already set a career-high in on-base percentage. Through the 92 games this season his on-base percentage is .370. 

The brother has found ways to get on base and when he’s on base he puts himself in a solid position to score.

He’s also got a clutch gene.

That’s a positive sign for the Athletics because they know that if he’s coming off the bench or starting, Kemp is going to impact the game in a multitude of ways. 

With over a month left in the season and Oakland involved in a playoff hunt, Kemp’s secret sauce will be much required.