Philadelphia Phillies admit Scott Kingery mistake
The Philadelphia Phillies gambled that Scott Kingery would be a big part of their future. He signed a six year contract before even playing a game ahead of the 2018 season, with $24 million guaranteed. The Phillies also added three team options for 2024 through 2026 worth a combined $42 million. As he was one of the top prospects in the game, the Phillies were hoping that they had signed Kingery for a bargain.
Instead, that contract has become a disaster. the Philies outrighted Kingery from their 40 man roster after he passed through waivers, assigning him to Triple-A.
Phillies have outrighted Scott Kingery to AAA. He cleared waivers and is off 40 man roster.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) June 7, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies made mistake with Scott Kingery
There was a time when Kingery seemed to be on the verge of fulfilling his promise. After a disappointing rookie season in 2018, he bounced back to post a 102 OPS+ in 500 plate appearances, hitting 34 doubles and 19 homers while stealing 15 bases. Kingery served as a super utility man that year, making at least ten appearances at five different positions.
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While Kingery had a rough 2020 season, it was easy to disregard those struggles. With the shortened season and the ongoing pandemic, plenty of stars were unable to match their usual output. The Phillies may have looked askance at his 32 OPS+ and decreased power, but it was not yet time to push the alarm.
That happened this season. Kingery barely played, seeing just 19 plate appearances over 15 games. He did nothing to warrant more of a look, notching one hit while striking out 12 times before he was placed on the Injured List. Now that he is back, even the Phillies somewhat questionable depth was not enough to save him from being removed from the 40 man roster.
It is not necessarily the end for Kingery as a major league contributor in Philadelphia. Odubel Herrera had been removed from the Phillies’ 40 man roster before, although his removal was partly for performance and partly due to his violation of the league’s domestic violence policy. However, Herrera was able to earn his way back into the team’s good graces. Kingery, if he can perform in Triple-A, may be able to do the same.
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The Philadelphia Phillies gambled that Scott Kingery would be a key part of their future. That gamble turned out to be an expensive mistake.