Phillies Make Under-the-Radar Move, Trading Once-Promising Prospect After Triple-A Comeback
The MLB offseason is only just beginning, yet the trade market is already bustling with activity. After a season-ending stretch filled with uncertainties, the Los Angeles Angels are wasting no time reshaping their roster, making a notable deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. In exchange for cash considerations, the Angels acquired infielder/outfielder Scott Kingery, a once-promising prospect whose career has had its share of highs and lows.
Scott Kingery, 30, was once viewed as a rising star within the Phillies’ system. Drafted in the second round in 2015, Kingery shot through the ranks and quickly became a fan favorite with his nickname “Scotty Jetpacks,” referencing his speed and high-octane play style. In 2018, he was ranked as the Phillies’ No. 2 prospect and was even among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. Philadelphia, eager to lock him in, signed Kingery to a six-year, $24 million contract — a rare move for a player who had yet to play a single inning in the majors.
The deal was spurred by Kingery’s impressive 2017 season, during which he split time between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .304 with an .889 OPS, 26 home runs, and 29 stolen bases. The Phillies hoped that Kingery would become a cornerstone of their infield and a consistent contributor. But while his debut season in 2018 showed some promise, the years that followed painted a different picture.
After a modest rookie season in which he slashed .226/.267/.338 with eight home runs, Kingery improved in 2019, hitting .258 with 19 home runs and 15 stolen bases. However, he struggled to find consistency in the majors, facing injuries, positional changes, and a swing overhaul that ultimately hindered his production. Kingery played only 52 games across three seasons from 2020 to 2022, and the Phillies eventually declined his $13 million option, keeping him in Triple-A for the 2024 season.
In 2024, Kingery posted a bounce-back performance with Lehigh Valley, hitting .268 with 25 home runs and 25 steals. The strong numbers in Triple-A caught the attention of the Angels, who are taking a low-risk chance on him as they look to inject versatility and depth into their roster.
For the Phillies, this trade marks the quiet end of what was once a high-profile investment in a player who embodied promise but struggled with the demands of the majors. For Kingery, it’s an opportunity for a fresh start with an Angels organization that has been aggressive early in the offseason, already trading Griffin Canning to the Braves for outfielder Jorge Soler. Now, the Angels are betting that Kingery’s recent turnaround in the minors could translate into a productive role in the majors, where his defensive versatility and power-speed potential could add a valuable dimension to their lineup.
The move also underscores the Phillies’ commitment to retooling their roster after several deep postseason runs, allowing them to focus on more immediate needs while giving Kingery a chance to reclaim his major league career. The Angels, meanwhile, are banking on Kingery’s resilience and his ability to tap into the form that once made him a top prospect, hoping this change of scenery will be just what he needs to recapture his early potential.
