It was July 28, 2022, when the Philadelphia Phillies signed Otto Kemp. After years of working his way through the Phillies’ minor league system, he made his MLB debut this season and is now hoping to help his team make a push across the finish line in the postseason.
After being recalled on Sept. 8, he was the team’s best September call-up this year and has been instrumental in some of the team’s most significant moments, all while his fate on the roster for the National League Division Series was never truly solidified.
Otto Kemp has a strong case to join the Phillies’ NLDS roster
While his numbers on the season seem average, with a .234/.298/.411 slash line, his .856 OPS since his return to South Philadelphia is incredible. He hit four home runs and drove in 11 in 57 September plate appearances. In addition to his elite speed, his offensive production is equally commendable, both at the major and minor league levels.
Much like the team’s veteran utility man, Edmundo Sosa, whenever Kemp is in the lineup, you know that he’ll put up quality at-bats and has the versatility to play around the diamond, making him a dream for manager Rob Thomson as an asset off the bench. With the team getting back to full health, Kemp’s time as a starter might be significantly reduced.
Having had limited opportunities to pinch hit, Kemp has proven successful coming off the bench, going 2-for-5 in pinch hit opportunities. He has proven success as a starter across the infield, while trying to give the Phillies the same offensive output as the players he’s usually filling in for, namely Bryce Harper or Alec Bohm. Kemp should be one of the team’s strongest performers to come off the bench, outside the outfield platoon of four established veterans.
Otto Kemp and Justin Crawford are International League All-Stars ⭐ pic.twitter.com/lRbf1An0yq
https://twitter.com/PhilsPlayerDev/status/1972304073417453581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In Triple-A, Kemp slashed .310/.417/.987, with 16 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, and seems to be a fan favorite down in Lehigh Valley. When looking at his sample size in either a minor or major league Phillies uniform, it’s clear that the 26-year-old Paul Owens Award winner is deserving of proving himself on baseball’s biggest stage, especially in a pinch-hitting scenario.
In addition to his productive offensive output, Kemp also appears to be a positive presence, positively impacting the clubhouse and fitting right in alongside the team’s established veteran core, the “superstars he grew up watching as a kid.” He’s been humble and productive when putting on a Phillies uniform, which is all anyone can truly ask of the rookie as he earns a role with the team this postseason and beyond.
