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Philadelphia Phillies 2018 top prospect list: Nos. 1-5

By John Town

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies hive fives his teammates in the dugout after throwing out Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (NOT PICTURED) in the top of the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 18, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 4-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies hive fives his teammates in the dugout after throwing out Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (NOT PICTURED) in the top of the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 18, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 4-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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No. 3: Second baseman Scott Kingery

Scott Kingery started off the 2017 season wowing the major-league coaching staff in spring training as a non-roster invitee before heading back to the minors to start the regular season. His hot bat stayed with him in Reading as he posted a .313/.379/.608 line with 18 home runs and 44 runs batted in over 69 games.

Kingery was then promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley where he hit eight more home runs and had a .786 OPS in 63 games there. His 10 stolen bases in Triple-A combined with 19 previously in Reading made him a 20-20 player for the season.

Kingery has that 20-20 potential in the majors with the speed and instincts to steal well more than 20 bases per season. He is a plus hitter, which should allow him to hit for a high average. Kingery showed improved power at the plate this year, which could also translate to the majors and gives him 20-homer potential.

Defensively, Kingery is an above-average defender at second base and is capable of making some spectacular plays there. He started playing a little third base this season, but his arm isn’t really suitable for the position.

Hopes are high enough for Kingery that many people feel comfortable trading starting second baseman Cesar Hernandez this offseason knowing Kingery can fill that role at some point next year. While Kingery probably won’t be major-league ready Opening Day (and doesn’t need to be added to the 40-man roster), he should see considerable time in the majors in 2018.

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