Cincinnati Reds Release Former Oakland Athletics' Starting Infielder

Former Oakland Athletics' infielder Tony Kemp is done as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. He was released on Tuesday, one day after being assigned to minor league spring training.

The following comes from MLBTradeRumors:

The Reds have released infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp, per his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He had previously signed a minor league deal with the club and that pact allowed him to opt out if not on the roster by March 23. The Reds announced yesterday that he had been reassigned to minor league camp.

It's unknown whether or not he used that clause to get out of his contract, but regardless, Kemp will head back to the market.

The Reds were always a clunky fit for Kemp, as they are loaded with infielders as it is. Even after the suspension (PED) of Noelvi Marte, there was no room for Kemp.

Kemp had a difficult year in 2023, hitting just .209, but he did hit .279 back in 2021 for Oakland in 131 games. He also has had a remarkable run of durability, and is one of just five players with at least 2,000 plate appearances since 2016 with no days spent on the injured list.

Earlier in the offseason, we heard his name connected to both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays, so perhaps those teams could re-emerge as suitors.

Perhaps Kemp could also wait for an injury and see what opportunities materialize then.

Kemp hit .333 with a homer and five RBI in eight spring training games for the Reds.