DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 25: The Philadelphia Phillies logo is pictured on a hat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies have made up for some shortcomings in their homegrown players by acquiring the most accomplished free agent talent on the market in recent years.
The team brought in key players like Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner with blockbuster contracts after they had established their prowess with other teams. Meanwhile, some homegrown players like Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm haven’t quite lived up to expectations.
While the team is still hoping for some growth from Stott and Bohm, the pair is at least able to contribute as everyday players. The same could never be said for Scott Kingery, who was once the organization’s top prospect.
Kingery’s tenure with the Phillies ultimately ended in a minor trade to the Los Angeles Angels last year.
“After a disappointing end to his six-year, $24 million contract, the Phillies’ former second-round pick, who was once envisioned and projected to be a cornerstone of the team’s infield, hoped for a new chapter in his once-promising career once the team traded him to the Angels for cash in 2024,” Tori Sheffer wrote for That Ball’s Outta Here. “After batting .160 in his twenty-five plate appearances with his team in 2025, the once-favored utility man seems to share a similar fate in LA, being designated for assignment on Aug. 11.”
After being cut from the Angels, Kingery reached free agency and has now been signed by the Chicago Cubs.
“In Kingery, the Cubs are adding a 31-year-old utility man who has played in parts of six seasons in the Majors with the Phillies (2018-22) and Angels (2025),” Jordan Bastian reported for MLB.com. “Kingery can offer a backup option for second base, shortstop and third base, while also providing experience in the outfield as well.”
After returning to the playoffs last season, the Cubs have re-established themselves as a rival to the Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers among the top teams in the National League. Though Kingery seems unlikely to play a central role in helping to unseat his former Phillies team, he could finally earn the chance to become a lasting depth piece on the Cubs’ big-league roster.
The Cubs lost utility veteran Willi Castro to free agency this winter and it’s possible they could see Kingery as his replacement if he makes a good impression during spring training.
And after some major expectations with the Phillies devolved into disappointment, then a trade out of the organization, finding some footing with another National League contender would mark a major accomplishment for Kingery.