Phillies: 5 options to play at third base in 2020
By David Esser
A Familiar Face: Scott Kingery
Fans might not like to hear it, but this is probably the most realistic option heading into 2020.
Scott Kingery was used in a hyper-utility role for the majority of the 2019 season. With the roster ever-changing due to injuries and general sloppy play, Kingery found himself rotating consistently between the outfield, third base, second base, and even some shortstop.
Initial day one starter Franco essentially hit rock bottom in the month of May, batting sub .200 throughout. This horrid performance from the right-handed slugger led Kingery to be given third base duties for the majority of the year.
Kingery was and is a solid option at third base. His general athleticism and strong arm are plenty good enough when it comes to the defensive side of things and his pop off the bat are must needs in the Phillies lineup going forward.
However, Kingery is not a natural third basemen, and his talents would be massively wasted there. A former minor league Gold Glove winner at second base, Kingery has the potential to really excel on the right side of the infield.
While I personally have more faith in newly hired Joe Girardi to make the right personnel decisions come March, at the end of the day it may be out of his hands. If Phillies general manager Matt Klentak can’t acquire a free agent at the position, or won’t turn it over to Bohm, Girardi may have limited options.
When it’s all said and done, having a young, developing, athletic option at 3B who has a career OPS creeping near .700 isn’t the worst thing in the world.