Scott Kingery
Old friend Scott Kingery is still hanging around in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Despite the mistaken reports that he was released from the Phillies' employ when they declined his option this past offseason, his contract reverted back to his original deal. Now 30 years old, he has been getting his final kick at the proverbial can.
Boy oh boy, is he making the most of his one last shot in the organization that drafted him 48th overall in 2015.
Kingery's numbers this season with the IronPigs make you wonder what exactly he needs to do to get added to the 40-man roster to earn a call-up. In 101 games, the former second-round pick is slashing .282/.330/.517 and has been showing off the balance of power and speed, with 22 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He has scored 64 times and knocked in 59 runs.
Despite selling out for power and trying to make an impact, he's still hitting for a good average. He's actually sporting his best Triple-A batting average since he hit .294 in 63 Triple-A games in 2017. He's also running the highest slugging percentage he has ever had while playing for the IronPigs, since that same 2017 season when he slugged .449.
The Phillies might be wary of his high 28.5 percent strikeout rate, which has been one of his calling cards the last few seasons in Triple-A. Regardless, you can't argue with his production with the approach.
With Kingery playing primarily as a middle infielder this season (mostly shortstop), there wouldn't be much playing time available in the big leagues, but he'd be a great pinch-running option. Either way, it'd be nice to see him in a Phillies uniform just one more time.