Scott

Kingery

Kingery is further proof that defensive versatility is the surest path to a bench role in the modern era. The 31-year-old utility specialist’s career didn’t play out as anticipated when the Phillies signed him to a long-term contract extension when he was one of the better prospects in the game but he’s managed to stick around on the fringes of several organizations. He’ll open the year in a limited role coming off Chicago’s bench.

Kingery heads to the Windy City where he’ll compete for a bench role as a versatile utility specialist in spring training. The 31-year-old former top prospect hit .148 (4-for-27) across 19 games with the Angels this past season. It would be an understatement to call his career trajectory underwhelming considering he inked a six-year extension with the Phillies back in 2018 before ever playing in the majors.

McKenzie headlines a group of 19 players who elected minor league free agency earlier this week, including catcher Matt Thaiss; infielders Scott Kingery, Keston Hiura, Sergio Alcántara, Terrin Vavra and Vimael Machín; outfielders Jose Siri, Connor Joe and Jordyn Adams; and relievers Noah Davis, Scott Blewett, Brooks Kriske, Kevin Herget, Cionel Pérez, Darren McCaughan, Richard Lovelady, José Ruiz and Jordan Weems.

Kingery figures to elect free agency instead of sticking around with the Angels after going unclaimed on waivers. The 31-year-old infielder hit .148 (4-for-27) across 19 games with the Angels this season. It would be an understatement to call his career trajectory underwhelming considering he inked a six-year extension with the Phillies back in 2018 before ever playing in the majors.

Kingery, 31, hit just .148/.207/.185 with zero RBI and an 11/2 K/BB ratio over 29 plate appearances in 19 games with the Angels while appearing primarily as a defensive replacement. There’s a chance that he could pique another team’s interest on waivers if they’re looking for a versatile bench bat.

The 31-year-old former top prospect has appeared in 14 games with the Angels already this season, hitting .160/.222/.200 with zero RBI, one stolen base and a 10/2 K/BB ratio over 27 plate appearances. He’ll add depth on the team’s bench for the month of September but won’t hold any fantasy value.

The 31-year-old Kingery went unclaimed on waivers after hitting .256/.317/.424 in 44 Triple-A games and going 4-for-25 in 14 appearances with the Angels.

The Angels had to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the promotion of Shaun Anderson on Monday and unfortunately Kingery was the odd man out this time around. It seems likely that the versatile 31-year-old will pass through waivers unclaimed, he’ll then have the option on whether or not to accept an outright assignment or explore the open market.

Kingery heads back to the minors with top prospect Christian Moore returning from the injured list for Sunday’s game against the White Sox.

Kingery gets the call to replace Chris Taylor on the roster after Taylor fractured his wrist during Friday’s extra-inning win. Kingery will be a bench option who sees some playing time against southpaws while he’s on the active roster.