The Cubs signed utility player Scott Kingery to a minor league contract, the team informed reporters (including Maddie Lee of The Chicago Sun-Times). He’ll be in MLB camp as a non-roster invitee.
Kingery returned to the majors this past season, getting into 19 games with the Angels. It marked his first MLB action in three years. His 29 MLB plate appearances were the most he logged in a season dating back to 2020. The former top Phillies prospect recored four hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts. He has a lifetime .227/.278/.382 batting line in nearly 1200 career plate appearances, almost all of which came in Philadelphia from 2018-19.
Now 31, Kingery spent most of this year at Triple-A Salt Lake. He batted .228/.284/.402 while striking out in a quarter of his trips to the plate. It was a step back from his more impressive ’24 season with the Phillies’ top affiliate, when Kingery had a 25-25 season in the minors.
The Cubs won’t expect much offensively from the right-handed hitter. Kingery provides defensive versatility and plays anywhere on the diamond aside from first base and catcher. He’s an above-average runner who’ll compete for a spot on Craig Counsell’s bench during Spring Training.
Tucker replacement. Go Cubbies.
Wasn’t this guy supposed to hit 80 HR a year? Or was that Joey Gallo?
Joey Gallo but Kingery was another let down, just with less power.
Ernest and Julio Gallo. Gallon jug
Another bench guy who can’t hit. Counsell says SMH.
Good luck
What are we doing
General Dollar Bargain Bin Jed
Nice addition he was fine with the Mariners in the 80s. Played in the Kingdome. Saw him open for the Tubes and Huey Lewis
He really hit good at Salt Lake City. He can field. Counsell would know how to get the most out of Kingery. He can hit the ball