Otto Kemp, an infielder in the Philadelphia Phillies system, has received dual recognition for his performance with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Kemp was named the International League Player of the Month for April and the league's Player of the Week.
Kemp, 25, has played third base primarily but has also seen time at second base, first base, and left field this season. His strong hitting results earned him the awards.
Through games played up to Monday, May 6, Kemp was batting .344 with a .433 on-base percentage and a .703 slugging percentage in 150 plate appearances over 32 games. He recorded 14 doubles, 10 home runs, and drove in 35 runs for the IronPigs.
In April, he led the International League in slugging percentage and OPS. He also led the league in runs, total bases, and home runs for the month. His performance included a career-high six RBI game.
Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged Kemp's versatility and performance. He commented on Kemp's value, noting he "can play all over the diamond."
Kemp was signed by the Phillies in August 2022 after going undrafted out of Division II Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. He is not currently on the Phillies' 40-man roster but would need to be added to protect him from the Rule 5 draft in December. Gabriel Rincones Jr. is another prospect in a similar situation.
This production follows strong showings in big-league spring training and the Arizona Fall League. His path to the majors could involve playing multiple positions, potentially including the outfield, where he has recently made starts for the IronPigs.
Other Phillies pitching prospects are also making progress in the minor league system. Mick Abel, a right-hander in Triple-A, was named the organization's minor league pitcher of the month for April and shows improved consistency. Right-hander Andrew Painter is moving up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after pitching in Single-A.
Two other position players in the system also received organizational honors for April. Third baseman Aroon Escobar was named a minor league player of the month for his performance in Single-A. Outfielder Justin Crawford is also playing for the IronPigs and has recorded strong results early in the season.
