Mets sign Kemp to minor-league deal
The New York Mets signed outfielder Matt Kemp to a minor-league deal, the team announced Friday.
Kemp will initially report to the Mets' spring headquarters in Port St. Lucie, Fla. From there, it's expected he'll join Triple-A Syracuse, a source told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
Kemp's addition follows injuries in the outfield to Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, and Yoenis Cespedes.
Although the veteran struggled to a .200/.210/.283 slash line in 20 games with the Cincinnati Reds before he was released May 4, he's a year removed from hitting 21 home runs with a .818 OPS for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The acquisition of Kemp follows the signing of veteran pitcher Ervin Santana on Friday. New York also claimed outfielder Aaron Altherr off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.
During his 14-year career, Kemp has been to three All-Star Games, won two Silver Sluggers, and finished second in National League MVP voting in 2011.