Are the Phillies going to start locking up their young talent?
By John Town
Will the signing of Scott Kingery to a six-year contract mark the beginning of multiple extensions for the Phillies’ best young players?
The Phillies made a bold move over the weekend, signing their second-best prospect, Scott Kingery, to a six-year deal before he has set foot on the field in a major-league game. However, they truly believe in him, and he is only set to be paid $24 million over the next six years. If Kingery turns out to be a star – or even just an above-average player – there are three club options after those six years for $13, $14, and $15 million.
Kingery joins Odubel Herrera as the second young player to be locked up to a team-friendly, long-term extension. Even at its most expensive, if Kingery becomes the player the team believes he can be, his value on the field will outpace what he will be paid.
Will the Phillies continue to lock up their young talent this year? They have definitely shown they want to keep their best young players under contract for as long as possible. There are certainly a few candidates for an extension in the near future.