According to multiple industry sources, the Orioles have signed veteran INF/OF Tony Kemp to a one-year, $1 million deal.
Kemp, 32, had been in spring training with the Cincinnati Reds, where he slashed .333/.391/.619 but had an opt-out clause if he didn’t make the roster.
Kemp spent the previous four seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he slashed .240/.330/.345 with an 11.7% strikeout rate and a walk rate of 10.5% while carrying a 97 wRC+.
Unfortunately, his last season with the A’s was his worst, as he slashed just .209/.303/.304. Kemp has had double-digit steal numbers the last two seasons and has totaled 53 in his career.
The left-handed-hitting Kemp will provide an interesting option for the Orioles, as both Jordan Westburg and Ramón Urías are right-handed hitters and should see a bulk of time playing second and third.
Kemp will provide a left-handed bat off the bench and play a role similar to what Jorge Mateo will be playing, though Kemp has only played two games at shortstop, so he seems unlikely to fill in there.
With Kemp being added, that will leave Tyler Nevin as the odd man out after an impressive showing this spring. Both Kemp and Nevin are out of minor league options.
In order to make room for Kemp on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated utility man Nick Maton for assignment. Maton was hitless in 17 games played this spring for Baltimore.
We would like to welcome Tony Kemp to Birdland and wish him well on his time with the team.
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