The Chicago Cubs have signed infielder Scott Kingery to a minor league contract, the team announced Tuesday. The deal includes an invitation for Kingery to join the Cubs’ major league camp during spring training.
Kingery, 30, is looking to re-establish himself at the major league level after spending much of the past few seasons in the minors. Originally a second-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015, Kingery made his MLB debut in 2018 and quickly drew attention with his defensive versatility and speed.
Kingery enjoyed a promising rookie season, playing in 147 games and covering multiple infield and outfield positions. In 2019, he posted his best offensive numbers, hitting .258 with 19 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 126 games. However, over the following seasons, his performance was affected by injuries and inconsistencies at the plate. He appeared in just 52 major league games combined from 2020 to 2021, and did not return to the major leagues in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Phillies released Kingery in 2023 after designating him for assignment, and he spent the 2024 season out of affiliated baseball.
With this signing, the Cubs add depth to their infield ahead of the 2025 season. Kingery brings six years of MLB experience and the ability to play multiple positions, potentially offering the club a versatile bench option if he performs well in spring training.
Chicago finished the 2024 campaign looking to improve its roster flexibility and depth, particularly in the infield. Kingery will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the 2025 Opening Day roster when camps open in February.
The terms of the minor league deal were not disclosed, and there are no guarantees Kingery will break camp with the major league club. However, the non-roster invite suggests the Cubs are interested in evaluating his progress and potential contribution to the team moving forward.
