The Philadelphia Phillies need to consider calling up Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Kemp is not currently on the Phillies 40-man roster. However, they do not have a full 40-man roster at the moment, so there is room. Kemp participated in the Arizona Fall League this past offseason and excelled. Additionally, Kemp participated in the spring breakout game and Phillies spring training. Kemp had a .350/.480/.600 line with no home runs and four RBI in 14 games. Kemp had a 183 wRC+ with a .473 wOBA and a .583 BABIP this spring. During spring training this year, Kemp recorded a 32.0% strikeout rate and an 8.0% walk rate.
That success has carried over to the minor league season. Kemp has a .327/.427/.712 line with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 27 games at Triple-A this season. Furthermore, Kemp has a league-best 197 wRC+ with a .489 wOBA and a .368 BABIP in the minors. In the minor leagues, Kemp has a 22.6% strikeout rate, and a 9.7% walk rate this season. With a 1.139 OPS, Kemp ranks second among qualified International League players. Kemp is tied with Tim Elko for the International League home run lead. Marcelo Mayer is the lone International League player with more RBI than Kemp. This season, Kemp has a career-best 25.7% HR/FB rate. In 2024, Kemp had a 148 wRC+ and a .881 OPS across 123 minor league games at four levels.
Potential Timing And Possible Role in a Big League Club
Brandon Marsh is currently on a rehab assignment and could be ready to return from the injured list shortly. Marsh is eligible to return from the injured list. Cal Stevenson has been on the Phillies 26-man roster while Marsh has been out. Stevenson will likely be optioned to Triple-A, whether for Marsh or Kemp. If Kemp is going to be called up, it will probably coincide with Marsh being activated. Marsh would be optioned to Triple-A in that scenario. Currently, Marsh has two minor league option years available. Marsh does not have enough major league service time to reject a minor league option. Kemp has recently made two starts in left field at Triple-A. This is a sign that the Phillies might have Kemp take over the Weston Wilson role to some extent.
Outfield Struggles Offensively
In 17 games this season, Marsh has a .095/.220/.167 line with one home run and five RBI. Marsh has a 17 wRC+ with a .259 wOBA and a .115 BABIP this season. So far this year, Marsh has a 31.4% strikeout rate and a 13.7% walk rate. Marsh has a .182/.357/.182 line with no home runs and one RBI in four minor league rehab games. The Phillies outfield has overall offensive struggles, but Marsh has had the most trouble. Marsh has a 42.9% strikeout rate and a 21.4% walk rate during his rehab assignment. Marsh has a .291 wOBA and a .400 BABIP during that span. With Marsh struggling leading up to him going on the injured list, it might not be the worst thing to give him more time to reset with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Kemp could be a difference maker for the Phillies.
Main Photo Credits: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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