The Cubs Just Made a Move That Could Spark Debate Among Fans
In a recent development that’s sure to stir up conversations, the Chicago Cubs have inked a minor league deal with utility player Scott Kingery. But here’s where it gets interesting: Kingery, a former top prospect for the Phillies, hasn’t seen consistent MLB action since 2020. So, what’s the Cubs’ play here? Let’s dive in.
The team officially announced the signing, confirming that Kingery will join the MLB camp as a non-roster invitee. This move comes on the heels of his brief return to the majors last season with the Angels, where he appeared in 19 games—his first MLB stint in three years. During that stretch, he logged 29 plate appearances, the most he’s had in a single season since 2020. His performance included four hits, two walks, and 11 strikeouts, adding to his career batting line of .227/.278/.382 across nearly 1,200 plate appearances, primarily with the Phillies from 2018-19.
At 31, Kingery spent the majority of this season at Triple-A Salt Lake, batting .228/.284/.402 with a strikeout rate of 25%. This marks a step back from his more impressive 2024 campaign with the Phillies’ top affiliate, where he achieved a 25-25 season in the minors. But here’s the controversial part: Is Kingery’s defensive versatility enough to justify this signing, or are the Cubs settling for a player past his prime?
The Cubs aren’t expecting offensive fireworks from the right-handed hitter. Instead, Kingery’s value lies in his ability to play nearly every position on the field—except first base and catcher. As an above-average runner, he’ll compete for a bench spot under manager Craig Counsell during Spring Training. And this is the part most people miss: his utility could be a game-changer in late-inning scenarios or injury replacements.
What do you think? Is this a smart, low-risk move by the Cubs, or are they overlooking better options? Let us know in the comments below!
