The Phillies announced that top prospect has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations, bringing an end to one of the franchise’s more unusual player journeys—marked by the lingering question of “what might have been.”
A second-round pick (48th overall) in the 2015 MLB Draft from the University of Arizona, was once viewed as a premier infield prospect and a crucial part of the team’s next elite core.
The previous Phillies front office, led by GM Matt Klentak and president Andy MacPhail, had so much faith in Kingery’s future that they preemptively signed him to a six-year, $24 million contract at the end of 2018 spring training, anticipating he’d be a fixture on the major league roster.
Kingery’s career, however, was sidetracked by struggles and injuries, and as stars like Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto joined the team, followed by top prospects Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott, Kingery gradually faded into the minors. Over five major league seasons, he posted a .229/.280/.387 line with 30 home runs, 62 doubles, and six triples but played only 16 games for the Phillies since 2021, with a lone appearance in 2022.
In Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he’s spent much of the past few years, Kingery had a strong 2024 season, hitting .268/.316/.488 with 25 home runs, 17 doubles, and 25 stolen bases.
Now 30, Kingery might find new life in the majors with the Angels, while the Phillies officially close the chapter on an unfulfilled potential.
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