Scorching-hot Otto Kemp earns Player of the Month honors with IronPigs

Phillies minor leaguer Otto Kemp’s scorching-hot first month of the season was recognized with two notable honors for April.

The right-handed hitter was named International League Player of the Month by Minor League Baseball, while the Phillies declared Kemp the co-winner of their organizational Hitter of the Month award alongside Single-A infielder Aroon Escobar. Right-hander Mick Abel was named the team’s minor-league Pitcher of the Month.

Kemp, 25, has been tearing it up for Triple-A Lehigh Valley with 10 home runs and 1.136 OPS in 31 games this season. He’s built upon his 2024 breakout to produce like one of the best hitters in the minors to start the year. Big-league manager Rob Thomson has been impressed from afar.

“Tremendous,” Thomson said from Citizens Bank Park on Friday. “It’s on-base. It’s slug. The defense has been solid. He’s had a great start to the year.”

After reaching Triple-A late last season, Kemp has dominated with the IronPigs so far in 2025. He’s tied for the International League lead in home runs and leads the league in OPS. He’s had multiple hits in 11 games. He’s helped carry a surging Lehigh Valley club to a 23-10 record.

Perhaps the biggest question about Kemp’s game — and his chances of a promotion — remains his defense. He’s mostly played third base in his career, but he’s also moved to other spots around the diamond.

“Really anywhere,” Thomson said of where Kemp can play. “Second base, third base, corner outfield, first base. He’s pretty solid everywhere.”

Although Alec Bohm has struggled, the Phillies have an everyday third baseman blocking that position. Kemp has now played two games in left field this year, and it wouldn’t be too hard to envision him spelling the lefty-hitting Max Kepler out there against left-handed pitching. However, the Phillies do have Weston Wilson on the roster to serve in a similar role right now, and he’s been more than capable in his time doing so. Wilson clubbed a three-run home run in Sunday’s loss and has an .877 OPS in 51 career games.

Thomson said Kemp’s defense is “average” in left field. It could be a possible spot for him to find playing time, depending how things shake out.

“I think he’s more suited to play the infield,” Thomson said, “but I wouldn’t be hesitant to move him to the outfield.”

There isn’t exactly a perfect fit for Kemp in Philadelphia at the moment, but it may not totally matter. Any team could use a bat that can produce at a high level. The Phillies might end up giving Kemp a look if he keeps hitting like this.