Eight years after signing a widely criticized contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, veteran infielder Scott Kingery is set to make his Opening Day debut with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, March 26, against the Washington Nationals.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Kingery “will be on the plane with us to Chicago,” signaling he will likely start the season in the majors, though the team could adjust plans if necessary.
Kingery’s early career with the Phillies never lived up to expectations. Signed to a six-year, $24 million deal before playing a single MLB game, he struggled immediately, posting a 61 wRC+ in his debut season and hitting just .229/.280/.387 over five years in Philadelphia.
He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for cash in November 2024 after continued struggles at the plate.
Originally, the extension looked like a smart move. Kingery entered 2018 as one of the top hitting prospects in the league, ranked No. 35 overall by MLB Pipeline and second in the Phillies’ system behind pitcher Sixto Sánchez.
The deal, paying $4 million annually, seemed reasonable for a potential franchise cornerstone, but after a mediocre first season, even his best year in 2019—19 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and 100 wRC+—was offset by a 29.4% strikeout rate.
A disastrous shortened 2020 season, hitting .159/.228/.283, effectively ended his promise, and brief appearances with the Angels did little to revive his career.
Kingery’s role with the Cubs is expected to be limited. With outfielder Seiya Suzuki starting the year on the injured list and expected to return soon, Kingery may lose his spot, competing primarily for backup roles.
His value lies in defensive versatility, having played second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions, but the Cubs’ infield and outfield are already well-stocked with regulars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Alex Bregman.
Opportunities for Kingery to see significant playing time appear to be at first base or as designated hitter, though both roles are tentatively occupied by Michael Busch and Moises Ballesteros. \
With limited offensive output in recent years, it’s unlikely Kingery’s bat will challenge either player, making him a depth piece whose main contribution is versatility and experience rather than consistent production.
