In the wake of Trevor Story's season-ending injury, the Boston Red Sox infield is in serious trouble. The Red Sox plan to platoon David Hamilton and Romy González at shortstop, but with Rafael Devers and Enmanuel Valdez on their sides, neither one is a reliable enough choice to fill the gap left by Story.
The Baltimore Orioles called up baseball's No. 1 prospect, Jackson Holliday, late on April 9. To make room for him on the roster, they were forced to designate Tony Kemp for assignment. The Red Sox should sign him.
Kemp is a contact hitter and a good defender whom Boston already had interest in this offseason. He has nine years of MLB service time under his belt and spent his last four seasons with the Oakland A's. His 2023 season was one of the worst of his career, but spending four seasons in Oakland under its current ownership would take the wind out of anyone's sails.
Kemp's career slash line of .237/.324/.351 leaves something to be desired, but so does Boston's defense. Kemp would be a better option in the field than Pablo Reyes or Enmanuel Valdez, and his plate production would likely end up being similar to theirs.
The Red Sox should sign Tony Kemp to bolster their middle infield after Trevor Story's injury
Tony Kemp with an over-the-shoulder catch going into foul territory! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0Hc74P5gnE
— MLB (@MLB) April 9, 2024
If Boston signed Kemp, he would be cheap, as he's already been cut from two rosters this season. The 32-year-old is a natural second baseman, so he could be moved to second base when Vaughn Grissom returns from rehab assignment. The same could work if González has success at shortstop for the Sox — the utility player has been raking in Triple-A this season.
Since Story has been sidelined, the Red Sox have committed six errors and given up eight unearned runs. Boston needs a solution on defense, and although a good defender with better offensive numbers would be preferable, the Red Sox cannot continue to make multiple errors in a game and be shocked when they find themselves in last place in the AL East yet again.
Kemp would bring years of MLB experience and a defensive boost to Boston's young roster, and if he can find himself at the plate again, his ability to hit for average could be a spark plug to its offense. One thing's for sure, the Red Sox's middle infield needs all the help it can get.