The Angels have acquired infielder Scott Kingery from the Phillies in change for money issues, in line with bulletins from each golf equipment. Kingery wasn’t on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster and gained’t must take a spot with the Angels.
Kingery, 31 in April, was as soon as a highly-touted prospect. The Phils had sufficient confidence in his future that they signed him to a long-term extension earlier than he had even made his main league debut. In March of 2018, the Phils gave Kingery a $24MM assure masking the 2018-2023 seasons, with three membership choices as effectively.
Sadly, Kingery wasn’t in a position to reside as much as his prospect billing or that contract. He can steal a couple of bases and and play protection everywhere in the diamond however he merely hasn’t hit sufficient to be a helpful large leaguer. He at present has a batting line of simply .229/.280/.387 in 1,127 plate appearances within the majors.
The Phils outrighted him off their roster in each 2021 and 2022, with no membership prepared to seize the rest of the contract off waivers. He had surpassed three years of service time and had the correct to elect free company as a substitute of accepting these outright assignments. Nonetheless, since he was beneath the five-year service mark, strolling away would have concerned leaving the rest of his contract on the desk. Naturally, he reported to the minors and continued taking part in out the remainder of his deal. The Phils turned down his ’24 membership possibility however he stayed within the group at that time as effectively.
Although the contract was a bust, Kingery simply wrapped up a strong season within the minors. He took 505 plate appearances for the IronPigs and hit 25 dwelling runs. The offensive atmosphere within the Worldwide League was fairly robust this 12 months, so his strong line of .268/.316/.488 was solely marginally above league common, translating to a wRC+ of 104.
Kingery stole 25 bases and continued bouncing across the diamond this 12 months, taking part in second base, shortstop and middle discipline. He has previous expertise at third base and within the outfield corners.
With these traits, he may maybe be a helpful participant even with some semi-competent offense. He hasn’t been ready to try this in his main league profession up to now nevertheless it’s a low-risk transfer for the Angels as Kingery isn’t even taking on a roster spot for now.
The Angels have a couple of query marks of their place participant combine. Luis Rengifo initiatives as the highest second base possibility however his 2024 was ended by wrist surgical procedure. Even when he comes again wholesome, he would possibly must bounce to different positions. Third baseman Anthony Rendon has been extraordinarily injury-prone in recent times and Rengifo has typically needed to cowl the new nook. Mike Trout has additionally missed important time in middle discipline just lately and would possibly get moved to a nook or into the designated hitter spot with extra frequency going ahead.
Kingery may give them some additional minor league depth everywhere in the diamond. He’ll attempt to earn a roster spot and the chance for a post-hype breakout.
