Los Angeles Angels He was traded for infielder Scott Kingery, a former Top 100 prospect. Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in exchange for cash payments.

Kingery spent nearly a decade in Philadelphia before being traded.

The 30-year-old spent the 2024 season with the Phillies’ Triple-A team, where he hit 25 home runs and posted an .804 OPS and primarily played shortstop.

Unfortunately, Kingery failed to live up to the expectations set by his prospect status and contract. While he offers some speed on the bases and defensive versatility at multiple positions, his bat has not developed enough to make him a consistent contributor at the Major League level.

Kingery appeared to have a remarkable career when he debuted in 2018, just three years after being drafted in the second round by Philadelphia. Heading into his rookie season, he was ranked as the No. 35 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 2 prospect in the Phillies system, and he even signed a six-year, $24 million contract just days before his debut.

However, he struggled in his first year, hitting .226/.267/.338 in 452 at-bats.

In 2019, Kingery showed some improvement, hitting 19 home runs with a 101 OPS+ in over 458 at-bats, but that was his last significant pitch in the Major Leagues with Philadelphia.

Injuries derailed Kingery’s performance during the shortened 2020 season, where he managed just a .511 OPS in 124 at-bats. He struggled in 2021 with 1-for-19 starts and 12 strikeouts before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in July. He has appeared in only one Major League game since then.

Kingery started 65 games in center field in 2019 but has mostly played shortstop and second base throughout his career. While he brings positional flexibility and some power to the Angels, he also has a high strikeout rate at Triple-A at 28.1% since 2023.

Considering his versatility, Kingery could still be a useful player if he can provide even a moderately effective offense. He has yet to make it at the major league level; This is a low-risk move for the Angels, especially since he is not currently on the roster.

Although the guaranteed portion of Kingery’s contract is over, it includes team options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Kingery adds valuable minor league depth at multiple positions for the Angels. He will aim to make the roster and potentially have a breakout season.