BoSox Injection
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A potential trade target for every need on the Red Sox roster

By Daniel Fox

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his teams 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his teams 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTMEBER 24: Tony Kemp #5 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on September 24, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Astros 14-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTMEBER 24: Tony Kemp #5 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on September 24, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Astros 14-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

Red Sox middle infield target: Tony Kemp

One thing the Oakland Athletics have shown over the years is that they are willing to part with players after career-best seasons. From Josh Donaldson to Tim Hudson to Yoenis Cespedes, the small-market A’s have a history of trading stars during their prime to maximize their return.

Tony Kemp could be the next Athletic to be traded after the best season of their career. After spending his first five years at a light-hitting journeyman infielder, Kemp broke out in 2021, slashing a career-high .279/.382/.418 and producing 3.4 WAR. The key to Kemp’s success was his incredible strike-zone management: He was in the top 10% in baseball in both walk rate and strikeout rate.

Kemp’s rare combination of bat-to-ball skills and patience would fit in any lineup, but he would be a particularly good match with the Red Sox. Second baseman Christian Arroyo had his moments last year but struggled overall against right-handed pitching (.213/.302/.383). Kemp, who slashed .293/.375/.443, would provide an immediate upgrade while also having the ability to fill in at shortstop and all three outfield positions adequately.

Though he may cost the Red Sox a good prospect or two, there is no denying their roster would be significantly better with Kemp on it.

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