Orioles sign Kemp to big league contract, designate Maton

The Orioles today announced that they have signed infielder/outfielder TONY KEMP to a 2024 Major League contract.

Kemp, 32, appeared in eight Cactus League games with Cincinnati after signing as a minor league free agent with an invite to MLB Spring Training on February 24, slashing .333/.391/.619 (7-for-21) with one double, one triple, one homer, two runs scored, five RBI, and two walks. He spent all of last season with Oakland, batting .209/.303/.304 (75-for-359) with 13 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 42 runs scored, 27 RBI, 44 walks, six hit-by-pitches, and a career-high 15 stolen bases in 124 games for the Athletics. Kemp appeared in 65 games (53 starts) in left field and 57 (46 starts) at second base for the A’s in 2023.

A native of Franklin, Tenn., Kemp has appeared in 734 games with Houston, Chicago-NL, and Oakland while slashing a combined .238/.325/.352 (460-for-1936) with 87 doubles, 15 triples, 35 home runs, 261 runs scored, 184 RBI, 226 walks, 33 hit-by-pitches, and 53 stolen bases. The Cubs acquired him from the Astros in exchange for catcher Martín Maldonado on July 31, 2019, and Chicago sent him to the A’s in exchange for infielder/outfielder Alfonso Rivas on January 13, 2020. During his eight MLB seasons, Kemp has appeared defensively at all three outfield spots, as well as second base and shortstop. He was originally selected by Houston in the fifth round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Vanderbilt University (TN). 

To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder/outfielder NICK MATON has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.