Scott Kingery Trade Update: Angels continue offseason retooling by acquiring infielder from Phillies
According to MLB insider Robert Murray, the Los Angeles Angels have made yet another move by acquiring veteran infielder Scott Kingery from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. While he was reduced to a minimal role with the Phillies by not even being a part of the 40-man roster, he could contend for a spot with his new club.
Kingery was once considered a prized prospect for the Philadelphia Phillies; however, now at 30, he will be looking to extend his MLB career. The former second-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft has failed to live up to his potential, but he has shown flashes in the past.
In 2019, it looked as if the Phillies really had a future talent on their hands, as Scott Kingery posted a career-best .258 batting average with 19 home runs, 55 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.
Unfortunately for Kingery, that was as good as it would get for him, as after the 2019 breakout campaign, he would play another 52 games in the MLB over the past few seasons.
That being said, perhaps a change of scenery will allow Scott Kingery to prove that he still belongs at the major league level. Last season, the Angels ranked in the bottom half of nearly every offensive category, which could open the door for Kingery to earn a spot on the roster.
The Los Angeles Angels have wasted little time this offseason. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, it appears that the team's front office will not wait around to improve. Earlier this week, the club landed veteran slugger Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves, yet that was only the beginning of what might be a busy offseason for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Angels claimed Ryan Noda off waivers on Friday
After acquiring both Jorge Soler and Scott Kingery, the team also claimed Ryan Noda off waivers. The 28-year-old first baseman is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign with the Oakland Athletics, posting a .137 batting average with a home run and 37 strikeouts over 95 plate appearances.
That being said, Noda did enjoy a decent 2023 season for the Athletics, racking up 16 home runs and 54 RBIs as a rookie. While strikeouts may continue to be an issue for him with Los Angeles, he, like Kingery, will see if the change of scenery will help establish him at the MLB level.
It is another low-risk move by the Angels. Given the number of moves they have already made, it could be an action-packed offseason for the Angels as they look to revamp their roster around superstar Mike Trout.