OAKLAND TRADES FOR TONY KEMP
The Oakland Athletics acquired outfielder/infielder Tony Kemp from the Chicago Cubs for first baseman Alfonso Rivas.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
In Kemp, the A's add a left-handed bat with a lot of versatility. Kemp is mostly a left-fielder and second baseman, so he might get a fair amount of at-bats with Oakland in 2020. The A's generally do well with under-the-radar pickups, especially those viewed as part-time players elsewhere. That said, both the outfield and infield are crowded in Oakland, so Kemp needs to hit right out of the gate in spring training.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
At first glance, this move could be a steal for Chicago because Rivas is a pretty good prospect. At 23, the 2018 fourth-round draft pick has already made it to Triple-A ball and should begin 2020 at that level as well. Though his power is not yet where it needs to be, Rivas has patience and the ability to hit for average. His arrival could lead to the eventual departure of Anthony Rizzo. The Cubs have options.
Fantasy impact
Both Kemp and Rivas should be viewed as no more than fantasy dark horses for 2020. Rivas, however, holds some added keeper-league value and might be worthy of a late-round selection in some 2020 drafts.
