This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

OAKLAND -- With the A’s playing out their final homestand of the season this week, it’s difficult for Tony Kemp not to think about the reality that these might be his final days in an A’s uniform.

“If this is my last homestand as an A, I just feel super blessed about the journey,” said Kemp, who is set to become a free agent after this season for the first time in his career. “It’s been fun. You never know. I could be back.”

Since joining the A’s via trade in 2020, Kemp has endeared himself to Oakland fans with his all-hustle style of play while steadily seeing his role evolve from mostly coming off the bench into more of an everyday job with increased playing time.

Kemp has also seen growth away from the game in his time with Oakland, as he and his wife, Michelle, have welcomed their first two children, daughters McKenna and Naomi Lee, into the world.

“I’m just being where my feet are right now,” Kemp said. “It’s not stressful. I’m not anxious. Just to make it to free agency, I think it’s like one or two percent of [players] who make it to this point. I think I’ve just been able to have a lot of gratitude of the journey. … I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Overcoming an early slump in which he hit just .164 through his first 55 games of the season, Kemp has recovered some of his value as he prepares to hit the open market. Kemp has hit .254 with a .727 OPS in his last 65 games, dating back to June 20.

Of course, Kemp has also provided value for the A’s off the field through his charitable efforts. Last week, he was recognized as the club’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for a fourth consecutive season.

• VOTE NOW: 2023 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One

For a rebuilding A's club that has utilized 21 rookies this season, one could argue that Kemp, who turns 32 next month, would be a good candidate to re-sign for his veteran-type leadership and presence in the clubhouse.

Would Kemp be open to returning to the A’s?

“Yeah, for sure,” Kemp said. “I actually had a conversation with my wife about it a couple of days ago, about what if the A’s did offer me a contract next year. I think it would be hard to say no. This place has become home the last four years, and I really just feel like I’ve embodied Oakland. This is a second home now. Especially with the young guys and how we respond to each other, we’ll see. There’s a possibility I would say, ‘yeah.’”

If these are indeed Kemp’s final days in Oakland, he will look back fondly on his time here for the growth he’s made, both as a player and a person.

“I’ve grown to love this place for what it is and the people in this clubhouse,” Kemp said. “The training staff. I have a feeling you don’t get this type of vibe everywhere. Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. It’s definitely one of those things where you’re just very fortunate for your journey and where it’s come to this point. To be able to stay healthy and on the field for 120-plus games for the last three years is huge as a utility guy. I’m just super fortunate for everything.”