Scott Kingery – Los Angeles Angels Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Scott Kingery’s journey in professional baseball has mixed promise with plenty of hurdles. The versatile infielder made waves back in 2018 when he signed a six-year, $24 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies—even before he played a single major league game.

He’s got a current net worth of about $24.3 million, which really shows just how much the Phillies banked on his potential.

Kingery’s career took a sharp turn when the Phillies traded him to the Los Angeles Angels. He agreed to a one-year, $770,000 contract to avoid arbitration.

That’s a big drop from his earlier $8 million per year salary with Philadelphia. Still, Kingery keeps chasing his MLB dreams with the same determination.

One of the wildest parts of Kingery’s story is that record-breaking contract he got before ever playing in the majors. The deal had club options for 2024-2026, which says a lot about how much faith the Phillies had in him when he was still in the minors.

His batting average of .226 didn’t quite live up to the hype, but his ability to play all over the field still makes him a handy player for any team.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Scott Kingery’s baseball story starts in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew up loving the game, and that early passion eventually led him to the big leagues.

His rise from Little League standout to college star really highlights how much dedication shaped his career.

Childhood and Family Background

Phoenix, Arizona is where it all began for Kingery. He grew up in a supportive family that always encouraged his athletic ambitions.

As a kid, Kingery showed a knack for baseball, spending hours in local youth leagues and building his fundamentals. His family backed him up every step of the way, giving him the push and resources to chase his baseball dreams.

Living in Arizona, Kingery got to play year-round, which definitely helped him get those reps in. By age 12, he was already making waves in youth baseball.

He and his team even reached the 2006 Little League World Series, which was his first taste of the national spotlight.

High School Achievements

At Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Kingery kept sharpening his baseball skills and built an impressive athletic resume. He didn’t stick to just one sport—he played several, showing off his versatility and natural talent.

On the baseball field, Kingery stood out for his speed, defense, and a bat that kept improving. He earned All-State honors and helped his team find success in Arizona’s tough high school baseball scene.

Despite his obvious skills, major college programs didn’t recruit him heavily. At 5’10”, some scouts just overlooked him, which only made him more determined to prove them wrong.

College Career and Development

Kingery chose the University of Arizona and walked on to the baseball team. He didn’t get a scholarship at first, so he had to work his tail off to earn a spot.

By his junior year, Kingery had become one of college baseball’s best. He hit .392 in his final season and picked up Pac-12 All-Conference honors.

Kingery’s college years saw him grow a lot—especially at the plate and in his defensive versatility. Coaches loved his work ethic and baseball smarts, and pro scouts started to notice.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked Kingery in the second round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He wasn’t the typical prospect, but his grit and adaptability set the tone for how he’d approach the pros.

Major League Debut and Career Progression

Scott Kingery’s MLB journey kicked off with a lot of buzz after a strong minor league run and that headline-grabbing contract. His path hasn’t been smooth—he’s had to deal with being shuffled around the field, performance ups and downs, and a bunch of injuries.

MLB Debut and Immediate Impact

Kingery made his major league debut on Opening Day 2018 for the Phillies. The team had just locked him up with a six-year contract before he’d even played a game, which was pretty much unheard of.

His rookie year wasn’t easy. Even though second base was his natural position, the Phillies used him all over—shortstop, third, outfield, you name it. That constant shifting probably made it harder for him to settle in at the plate.

His numbers from that first season looked like this:

• .226 batting average
• 8 home runs
• 35 RBIs
• 126 strikeouts in 484 at-bats

Even with the struggles, Kingery’s athleticism and hustle stood out. There was still hope he’d figure it out.

Evolution as a Second Baseman

Kingery’s time at second base didn’t follow the usual script. The Phillies kept moving him around instead of letting him settle in at his best spot.

In 2019, his offense took a step forward:

• Batting average up to .258
• 19 home runs
• Better plate discipline and fewer strikeouts

When he actually played second base, his defense really shined—quick double plays, great range, and smooth transitions. His speed fit the position perfectly.

Coaches and management often pointed out how hard Kingery worked to get better at second, all while still filling in wherever the team needed him.

Notable Performances and Milestones

Kingery has had some big moments that showed off his potential. In 2019, he put together his best stretch, especially that June when he hit .295 with 7 homers. That power-speed combo is what made him so intriguing in the first place.

His defense has turned heads too. The nickname “Jetpax” felt right after a 2019 game against the Mets, where he made two diving stops and turned a clutch double play to keep the lead.

Some career highlights:

• First MLB home run: April 13, 2018 vs. Tampa Bay
• First multi-homer game: June 14, 2019 vs. Atlanta
• Career-high hitting streak: 8 games (July 2019)

Teammates and coaches have always pointed to his work ethic and willingness to put the team first.

Challenges and Injuries

Injuries have really thrown off Kingery’s career. He’s dealt with shoulder problems and an oblique strain in 2020, which came at the worst times for his development.

The 2020 season, shortened by COVID, was especially rough—he got a late start and never really found his rhythm. In 2021, more injuries landed him on the IL for long stretches, and that inconsistency hurt his spot on the team.

The Phillies didn’t pick up his club option for 2024, which would’ve been worth $13 million. Now, Kingery’s working to reestablish himself, joining the Los Angeles Angels for $770,000 and keeping his MLB hopes alive.

Scott Kingery’s Contract and Earnings

Scott Kingery’s finances have been a rollercoaster. He started with a groundbreaking contract extension, but performance issues have definitely affected his market value and future earnings.

Contract Details and Structure

Kingery’s biggest deal came in March 2018, when he signed a six-year, $24 million contract extension with the Phillies. He hadn’t played an MLB game yet, making it the largest contract ever for someone who hadn’t debuted.

The contract had team options that could have bumped the total up to $65 million. The base deal guaranteed Kingery money through 2023, including:

• $1.5 million signing bonus
• Salaries that increased each year
• $13 million club option for 2024 (with a $1 million buyout)
• $14 million club option for 2025
• $15 million club option for 2026

The deal gave Kingery financial security and let the Phillies control his contract through what would’ve been his first free agency years.

Contract Extension and Salary Progression

Kingery’s salary went up each year, eventually hitting about $8 million in the later years. Then-GM Matt Klentak and the Phillies front office took a big swing, betting on Kingery’s minor league numbers and their own projections.

But things didn’t pan out as hoped. Kingery struggled with consistency at the plate and bounced around positions, which hurt his value. The Phillies passed on his $13 million club option for 2024, making him a free agent.

He then signed with the Los Angeles Angels for 2024 on a much smaller one-year, $770,000 contract. That’s a pretty steep drop from what he used to earn.

Arbitration and Payroll Implications

By signing Kingery before he ever played in the majors, the Phillies avoided the usual arbitration process. They got cost certainty and didn’t have to worry about arbitration awards if Kingery had broken out.

But as his performance dipped, Kingery’s contract became a payroll headache. With owner John Middleton spending big on stars like Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler, Kingery’s salary ended up as money tied up in a player who wasn’t producing.

The Phillies designated Kingery for assignment in 2021, taking him off the 40-man roster but still having to pay his salary. That move really shows the risks teams take with early extensions—guaranteed money still counts even if the player doesn’t pan out.

Net Worth and Financial Impact

Scott Kingery’s financial path in baseball is a mix of big wins and tough breaks. Most of his earnings come from MLB contracts, but there’s a little more to it.

Primary Sources of Income

Kingery’s wealth comes mostly from his baseball salary. His biggest financial move was that six-year, $24 million contract with the Phillies, signed even before his first MLB at-bat.

Now, his salary sits at $770,000 per year with the Angels. That’s a far cry from his Philly days.

His estimated net worth is around $24.3 million, built mainly from his first contract—not from the kind of performance bonuses or extensions that some players rack up.

Investments and Endorsements

Kingery hasn’t made his investments public, but most athletes at his level spread their money across real estate, stocks, and sometimes business ventures.

Endorsements haven’t been a big part of his income. His early contract got a lot of media buzz, which probably helped with some regional deals in Philadelphia.

Most MLB players in his situation work with financial advisors who know the athlete world, focusing on long-term security rather than risky investments.

Comparison to Peers

Kingery’s first contract really turned heads in baseball circles. Not many players land multi-year, multi-million dollar deals before stepping onto an MLB field.

When you stack him up against other utility players, Kingery’s original deal put him in a pretty sweet spot financially. But after that, his performance challenges definitely knocked down his value on the open market.

The average MLB salary sits around $4.9 million. Kingery’s current $770,000 salary falls well below that, showing just how much performance can impact a player’s earnings.

Players with similar stats usually get contracts anywhere from the league minimum up to maybe $2-3 million a year, depending on how many positions they can cover and their defensive chops.

Scott Kingery’s Role and Influence on the Phillies

Scott Kingery’s time with the Phillies has been all about flexibility and persistence. He’s bounced around the field and weathered some tough stretches.

His unusual contract and ability to adapt have really shaped his spot in the organization.

Versatility and Team Dynamics

Fans started calling Kingery the “Super Utility” guy because he played just about everywhere. The Phillies originally brought him in as a second baseman, but he ended up covering six different positions—center field, shortstop, third base, you name it.

This gave Joe Girardi a bunch of lineup options during the 2019-2020 seasons.

The Phillies signed Kingery to a six-year contract before he even played a single MLB game, which really showed how much faith they had in his potential. That $24 million deal, with club options through 2026, was pretty much unheard of.

Even when he struggled at the plate, Kingery’s ability to move around defensively let the Phillies try out different lineups, especially when they were bringing in big names like Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto.

Relationships with Teammates

Kingery built strong friendships with Rhys Hoskins and Aaron Nola since they all came up through the system together. Veterans often pointed out his work ethic and his willingness to switch positions if it helped the team.

During spring training, you’d often spot Kingery working with Alec Bohm on infield drills. He shared what he knew about third base, even though it wasn’t his main spot.

Nick Castellanos once said in a 2022 interview that Kingery’s positive attitude—even when things weren’t going his way—was “an inspiration in the clubhouse.” That kind of resilience earned him a lot of respect, even if his numbers dipped.

He bounced between the majors and minors without making a fuss, showing he put the team first. Dave Dombrowski has called out that attitude as something that helps the whole organization.

Recent Seasons and Performance Trends

After a promising rookie year, Kingery’s career hit some rough patches. In 2021, he posted a .128 batting average in limited games and lost his spot on the 40-man roster.

While stars like Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler helped push the Phillies into the 2022 postseason, Kingery worked on rebuilding his swing in the minors. Missing out on the playoff roster really showed how far his stock had fallen.

In spring training 2024, Kingery started to look a bit better, still chasing a return to the majors even after the Phillies turned down his $13 million club option.

His career kind of warns teams about handing out big contracts to unproven players. Still, you can’t ignore how he keeps grinding. The Phillies’ developmental coaches are sticking with him, tweaking his swing and approach.

Legacy, Trade Rumors, and Future Outlook

Scott Kingery’s career has had its share of twists—he started strong with the Phillies and recently landed with the Angels. He’s still chasing a spot in the big leagues.

Trade Rumors and Speculation

The Phillies traded Scott Kingery to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations, ending his long run with Philadelphia. Honestly, most insiders saw it coming since Kingery never quite met those early expectations.

His name had popped up in trade rumors for a while. The Phillies front office, especially former GM Matt Klentak who first signed him, waited things out but eventually decided to move on.

The Angels acquisition looks like a classic buy-low move. Kingery can cover a lot of ground defensively, and a few other teams—the Mariners and Diamondbacks—had also checked in before the deal went through.

Long-Term Prospects

Kingery’s contract situation is pretty interesting as 2025 approaches. The Angels hold club options for both 2025 and 2026, so they’ve got some wiggle room.

His main calling card is still his versatility—he can handle both infield and outfield spots. That should help him find a niche with the Angels.

But if Kingery wants to stick around for the long haul, he’s got to hit better. His trouble with big-league pitching, especially against hard fastballs and breaking stuff, has held him back.

The Angels’ coaches are working with him on his swing and approach at the plate, hoping he can rediscover the spark he once had in the minors.

Influence on Young Players

Even with his struggles on the field, Kingery keeps a solid reputation with teammates and coaches. Young players often look up to his resilience and work ethic, especially how he handled getting sent down to Triple-A after landing such a big contract.

Honestly, his story feels like both a warning and a bit of inspiration. That six-year, $24 million contract he signed before ever playing a single MLB game? It really shows the gamble teams take when betting on minor league talent.

Some organizations bring up Kingery’s experience when talking to their own prospects about development. His journey makes it clear—early success and a big paycheck don’t mean things will be easy in the majors.

Coaches value how Kingery mentors younger players. He shares what he’s learned from his own setbacks and talks about the mental toughness it takes to keep going in pro baseball.