Cubs trade for Astros second baseman

Erik Williams - USA Today Sports

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Jul 31, 2019, 1:06 PM

Chicago Cubs catcher Martin Maldonaldo has been reportedly traded to the Houston Astros for utility-man Tony Kemp hours before the MLB trade deadline.

Kemp, 27, has batted .227 with seven homers and 17 RBIs this season. He is a lefty batter with some speed that can play in the infield and even left and centerfield. The Cubs will end up saving around an estimated 600K on the swap if there is no money exchanged besides the players.

Maldonaldo was traded previously for swingman Mike Montgomery with the Royals when Cubs catcher Willson Contreras was down on the injured list. Maldonaldo hasn't played much with the Cubs getting in only four games and was hitless (0-11) in 13 at-bats.

The Cubs didn't need to carry three catches because of the versatile and talented Victor Caratini who can back up at catcher and at first base.

Tony Kemp was DFA'd by Houston about a week ago, and his versatility should serve him well with the Cubs. Maldonado went to the Astros on July 26 last year, and apparently the relationship was so wonderful they decided on a return engagement.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2019

The #Astros and #Cubs swing a minor deal with catcher Martin Maldonado going to Houston for infielder Tony Kemp. The Astros had been interested in Maldonado the moment the Cubs no longer had room for him.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2019

Maldonado’s time as a Cub is over https://t.co/39lSCYvBBC pic.twitter.com/5p9ODeQsre
— Red Line Radio (@RedLineRadio) July 31, 2019

Cubs could still bring in another catcher today with options or on minor league deal etc,to stash at Triple-A if they're not comfortable with just having Contreras/Caratini up here and Taylor Davis in the minors. One injury starting tomorrow can make things shaky behind the plate
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 31, 2019

The Cubs will get Tony Kemp, who was recently DFA’d by Houston, in the Martín Maldonado deal. No other players/cash considerations are expected to be included in the trade.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 31, 2019

Kemp has a...

85.2 contact%
89.3 contact% in zone
6.7 swinging-strike%

The 2019 Cubs have a...

73.3 contact% (15th NL)
83 contact% in zone (14th)
12.4 swinging-strike% (15th)
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 31, 2019