Reminder: The MLB trade deadline is today at 3 p.m. CT.
By Thomas Gibbons
The Chicago Cubs have acquired Tony Kemp from the Houston Astros in exchange for Martin Maldonado.
Maldonado, recently acquired from Kansas City for Mike Montgomery, appeared in just four games with the Cubs.
Kemp, 27, is hitting a lowly .227 BA with a .725 OPS in 66 games this season. He has made starts in left field, center, and at second base. Joe Maddon values versatility in the lineup so from that perspective this move make sense.
In terms of what kind of impact we can expect from Kemp, it’s going to be nothing flashy. He’s hit just .240 in four seasons in the MLB and not known for speed or power at the plate. But the Cubs depth at 2B needed to be addressed with Daniel Descalso on the IL and even when healthy has struggled notably.
Ben Zobrist is working his way back from his absence and a return in September looks to be the timeline. Can a mix of Kemp, Robel Garcia, and Ian Happ hold down the fort at second until Zobrist rejoins the club? Only time will tell.
Overall, this moves makes sense in terms of the Cubs need for depth and trying to fill some holes in the roster as they make a push for the playoffs.
