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In case you were wondering what position(s) Tony Kemp was going to play for the Cubs in 2020, wonder no more:
Tony Kemp has been traded to the A’s, source says.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) January 13, 2020
It’s a multiplayer deal that brings Tony Kemp to Oakland, I’m told.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) January 13, 2020
As you likely recall, Kemp was acquired from the Astros for Martin Maldonado at the trading deadline, July 31. Maldonado played in only four games for the Cubs after being acquired July 15 for Mike Montgomery. So, you can in some ways consider whoever the Cubs acquire in this deal as the return going forward for Montgomery.
UPDATE: Here’s the return for Kemp:
The #Cubs today acquired minor league INF Alfonso Rivas from the Oakland A's for INF/OF Tony Kemp. pic.twitter.com/GsedBwQy0W
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 13, 2020
Alfonso Rivas is a first baseman/outfielder who hit .283/.383/.408 for Stockton (Advanced-A) in the California League in the A’s chain in 2019 (and went 13-for-32 in eight games in Triple-A as well). He’s 23 and was the A’s fourth-round pick out of the University of Arizona in 2018.
Kemp didn’t do much for the Cubs, hitting .183/.258/.305 in 44 games and 93 plate appearances. He did have one shining moment as a Cub, last September 21. He appeared to have struck out, but the umpires called a balk on Cardinals pitcher Giovanny Gallegos. On the next pitch, Kemp homered to give the Cubs the lead [VIDEO].
Unfortunately, Craig Kimbrel gave up back-to-back homers in the ninth in that game and the Cubs lost.
All the best to Kemp with his new team.
Poll
Tony Kemp for Alfonso Rivas!
This poll is closed
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38%
Yea!
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3%
Nay!
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58%
Meh