The Angels have acquired an infielder Scott Kingery from the Phillies in exchange for cash, according to announcements from both clubs. Kingery was not on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster and does not have to take a spot with the Angels.

Kingery, 31 in April, was once a highly touted prospect. The Phils were confident enough in his future that they signed him to a long-term extension before he had even made his major league debut. In March 2018, the Phils gave Kingery a $24 million guarantee for the 2018–2023 seasons, with three club options also included.

Unfortunately, Kingery was unable to fulfill his prospect’s billing or that contract. He can steal a few bases and defend all over the diamond, but he simply hasn’t hit enough to be a useful big leaguer. He currently has a batting line of just .229/.280/.387 in 1,127 plate appearances in the majors.

The Phils cut him from their roster in both 2021 and 2022, with neither club willing to waive the remainder of the contract. He had exceeded three years of service and had the right to choose freedom of choice rather than accept those outright assignments. However, since he had been in the job for less than five years, walking away would have meant leaving the rest of his contract on the table. Naturally, he reported to the minors and continued to play out the remainder of his deal. The Phils declined his ’24 club option, but he also remained in the organization at that time.

Although the contract fell through, Kingery just finished a solid season in the minors. He took 505 plate appearances for the IronPigs and hit 25 home runs. The offensive environment in the International League was quite strong this year, so his robust line of .268/.316/.488 was only marginally above league average, which translated into a wRC+ of 104.

Kingery stole 25 bases and continued to bounce around the diamond this year, playing second base, shortstop and center field. He has experience at third base and in the outfield corners.

With those traits, he might be a useful player even in a semi-competent offense. He hasn’t been able to do that so far in his Major League career, but it’s a low-risk move for the Angels as Kingery isn’t even a roster spot for a while.

The Angels have a few question marks in their position player mix. Luis Rengifo projects as the top option at second base, but his 2024 was ended by wrist surgery. Even if he returns healthy, he may have to bounce around to other positions. Third baseman Anthony Rendon has been extremely injury-prone in recent years and Rengifo has often had to cover the hot corner. Mike Trout has also missed a lot of time in center field lately and could be moved to corner or the designated hitter spot more often in the future.

Kingery can give them some additional minor league depth all over the diamond. He will try to earn a spot on the roster and get a chance at a breakout after the hype.