Scott Kingery, once considered a promising prospect, faced setbacks in his career due to COVID-19 and changes in coaching staff that allegedly affected his performance. Despite signing a long-term contract early in his career, Kingery struggled in the major leagues, playing only 52 games and striking out 47 times in 132 at-bats from 2020-2022.
However, Kingery found success in the AAA IronPigs lineup, winning the 2024 Hitter of the Year Award with an impressive .268/.316/.488 slash line, 25 homers, and 25 steals. Despite his strong performance, the Phillies did not call him up to the major leagues, opting for other players throughout the season.
While some may question why the Phillies kept Kingery in the organization, it is possible that they were giving him a chance to showcase his skills for a potential call-up in the future. At 30 years old, Kingery still possesses the ability to hit for power, run the bases, and play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset for a struggling MLB team in need of a veteran presence on the bench.
Although Kingery’s time with the Phillies may be coming to an end, there is hope that another team will take a chance on him and give him the opportunity to contribute at the major league level. As seen in the past, players like Kingery can find success with a new team and revitalize their careers, providing a fresh start and a chance to prove themselves once again.