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A look at the Oakland A’s upcoming arbitration class

By David Hill

Sep 13, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Austin Pruitt (29) pitches against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Austin Pruitt (29) pitches against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

A class all his own

Tony Kemp is going to be a fascinating case for the Oakland A’s.

On one hand, his overall numbers are not impressive. He posted a mediocre .237/.307/.334 batting line in his 558 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and 24 doubles. As Kemp is in his final year of arbitration and is not likely to be a long term option for the A’s, it would make sense to cut bait after his disappointing season.

At the same time, he was much better over his final 60 games. Kemp posted a .282/.345/.435 over that span, hitting five homers and 13 doubles. That type of production, especially as he can play both second and left, would be useful for their lineup.

Then there is what Kemp means to the organization and the city. He is a leader and an inspiration, someone that is working to build stronger ties in the community across racial lines. He is valued for that leadership ability almost as much as what he can bring on the diamond. Ultimately, that leadership for a relatively inexperienced team and a strong end to the 2022 campaign should result in his returning to Oakland.

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Tony Kemp might not be a long term option for the Oakland A’s. However, it makes sense to keep him around for one more year.