Tony Kemp, one of the longest-tenured Oakland A’s, has officially signed with a new team.
Kemp joined the Cincinnati Reds on a minor league contract this week.
The 32-year-old was granted free agency for the first time this offseason after playing four of his eight big league seasons with the A’s. The speedster hit .240 with a .675 OPS while playing mostly second base and left field over his four years in Oakland.
He thanked fans with a social media post on Wednesday night.
“A piece of my heart will always be with you in the bay,” he wrote. “From my first time playing in the Coliseum as a rookie in 2016 to calling it home these past four seasons, it has been a blessing. It’s the city where Michelle and I started our family and received open arms from everyone working in the F lot to all the attendees throughout the stadium.
“To A’s fans, I can’t help but think about and feel for each and everyone one of you. I think of the families whose roots have made them lifelong A’s fans, hoping to pass on the tradition of taking their kids to games to cheer on the hometown team. My wish is that the team would stay in Oakland and give the fans what they deserve.”
love for the 510🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/o6uhi2DoXi
— Tony Kemp (@tonykemp) February 28, 2024
Kemp was a fan favorite while with the A’s.
On the night of the reverse boycott last June, Kemp said the fans “have a right to feel the way they feel. They probably had a future planned out with these people. They probably had kids and came to games as kids and had a plan of what they were going to do. Leaving for another city is devastating. I completely understand.”
After a down season last year in which he hit .209 with a .607 OPS, Kemp will have to earn his way onto the Reds’ roster.
His minor league deal reportedly comes with an ability to opt out on March 23 if he hasn’t been told he’ll make the team. Kemp may not be a prolific power hitter but he did steal 15 bases while drawing 44 walks to only 40 strikeouts in 419 plate appearances last year.
Kemp will reportedly earn $1.75 million if he makes the Reds’ roster. He earned $3.725 million in his final season with the A’s.
