Houston Astros: Top four options to replace Marwin Gonzalez
Player #1: Tony Kemp
What’s there not to say about Tony Kemp? His growth arc has had such a dizzying curve that I’m starting to feel nauseous from it. The former fifth-round pick out of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft from Vanderbilt U is coming along just fine and consistently provides lightning-quick, yet potent offense along with timely defense when he’s out on the field.
Is he ready to make the leap from a someday to an everyday player? I think he would be because if one player has made the most of his opportunities, it’s Kemp. Through this year’s postseason, he demonstrated that he could be counted upon when needed.
Whether it’s a spectacular diving catch in the outfield, a pivotal home run or a game-changing hit, Kemp is there to make it happen and it seems as if his mission on Earth is help whatever team he’s on to win to their fullest.
A natural second baseman in his own right, this position player has proven he can play the outfield, particularly at left and be the designated hitter as needed. He doesn’t take on as many positions as Marwin can — who has played every position except pitcher — but I think he could provide some valuable production in the lineup.
This offense is predicated on the long ball and ensuring that guys get on base. He can do all of that and then some.
Kemp’s line was .263/.351/.392 in 2018 and .286/.474/.571 through the postseason. He also chipped in one homer and one ribbie with five walks, proving that he’s getting the respect from opposing pitchers to the point of them not exactly knowing what to do with him in different spots of the game.
It’s important to note that Kemp batted .353 with runners in scoring position coupled with two outs on the board.
His presence on defense can be stout although his UZR was a -1.5 for 2018, down from 1.3 in 2017.
Kemp, 26, has club control through 2022 so he’ll be a cost-effective, yet likely option for the Houston Astros if they can’t come to terms with Marwin. I’d wholeheartedly expect an elevated role for him because of his familiarity with the organization, rising all the way to the top like cream in a blazing-hot cup of Joe.
This is the easiest option for the Astros, it’d be a smooth transition with minimal effort. A promotion from within.