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Phillies: Scott Kingery named top second-base prospect in baseball

By John Town

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: The Philly Phanatic runs on the field as the Philadelphia Phillies pile up on top of closing pitcher Brad Lidge after they won 4-3 wo win the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: The Philly Phanatic runs on the field as the Philadelphia Phillies pile up on top of closing pitcher Brad Lidge after they won 4-3 wo win the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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Phillies prospect Scott Kingery led the way on MLB Pipeline’s top-ten list of second base prospects, being named the top second baseman for the 2018 season.

Get ready Phillies fans, the Scott Kingery hype train has begun.

MLB.com continued their series of lists for the top prospects at each position baseball, releasing the second base list Monday. It’s okay if you missed the news, other things have been going on in Philadelphia in the last day.

Topping off the list was none other than Phils prospect Scott Kingery. His breakout was one of the highlights of the 2017 season for the farm system. He hit 26 home runs, stole 29 bases, and had an .889 OPS in 132 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Kingery earned the Paul Owens award as the top minor-league position player in the system for the year.

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Kingery was also named to the Baseball America Top 100 Monday, ranking No. 31 overall on the list.

In addition to being named the top player on the list, Kingery’s speed and defense were both tied for the best of the players on the list. His 65 speed was tied with only Colorado’s Garrett Hampson. Kingery’s 60 defense was tied with Hampson and San Diego’s Luis Urias.

MLB.com’s Mike Rosenbaum also wrote that Kingery has the highest ceiling of the group thanks to his power-speed potential. Kingery was also the top Rookie of the Year candidate of the group as the one most ready for the major-leagues. However, Kingery isn’t expected to be promoted until two or three months into the season, which would hurt his chances to be named Rookie of the Year.

Kingery’s MLB Pipeline profile dives into what gives Kingery the potential for a great future in the majors:

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"Kingery has always been able to swing the bat, finishing close to .400 during his junior season at Arizona and continuing to show a knack for consistent contact as a pro. His advanced approach and quick swing allowed him to hit over .300 in 2017 and he uses all fields well. After hitting eight homers in 2015 and 2016 combined, Kingery finished with 26 in 2017. While playing much of the year in the hitter-friendly confines in Reading certainly helped, he kept showing extra-base ability following his promotion to Triple-A as he’s learned to drive pitches more consistently.His plus speed should allow him to continue to steal bases in the big leagues and he’s an above-average defender at second base."

Next: Phillies: 5 prospects ranked in BA Top 100 rankings

While his defense is plus at second base, Kingery is expected to rotate around the infield in Triple-A before his call-up. The move is supposed to boost his versatility in the future and give him more chances for playing time when he is first promoted to the majors.

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