In recent years, the Philadelphia Phillies have sought to bolster their roster by signing some of the most talented free agents on the market, making up for gaps in their development of homegrown talent.
High-profile players such as Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner have joined the team on substantial contracts, bringing their proven skills from other franchises. Meanwhile, homegrown talents like Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm have yet to fully meet expectations.
Despite this, Stott and Bohm have managed to secure roles as everyday players. The story was different for Scott Kingery, once the Phillies’ top prospect, whose potential was never fully realized with the team.
Kingery’s journey with the Phillies concluded with a minor trade to the Los Angeles Angels last year.
As Tori Sheffer highlighted in That Ball’s Outta Here, “After an unfulfilling end to his six-year, $24 million contract, the former second-round pick, once seen as a key piece of the Phillies’ infield future, looked for a fresh start with the Angels. Unfortunately, after managing a .160 average in just twenty-five plate appearances in 2025, Kingery faced a similar outcome in LA, being designated for assignment on August 11.”
Following his release from the Angels, Kingery entered free agency and has now been signed by the Chicago Cubs, hoping to revitalize his career.
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.
