Scott Kingery and GM Matt Klentak discuss Kingery’s contract, making Opening Day roster. Martin Frank/The News Journal
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Scott Kingery started off his press conference Monday morning by thanking the Phillies "for making this commitment to my career and just having the faith in me."
For the Phillies, it was a major commitment, and it showed a lot of faith. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak called the deal, which could last for as many as nine seasons and worth as much as $65 million, "a record-setting contract."
And it was for a drafted player before his major-league debut. That debut will happen for Kingery as soon as Thursday, when the Phillies open their season against the Braves in Atlanta.
Kingery has come a long way from a scrawny high school senior who was 5-foot-7, 130 pounds to a cornerstone player for the Phillies for the next decade.
"He could really run, but he was just physically weak," said Brad Holland, the Phillies' scout who first saw Kingery in high school near Phoenix. "You’re just waiting for that physical maturity and that strength to come. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t."
For Kingery, it did – after he walked on at the University of Arizona, played center field for his first two seasons, then switched to second base. By the end of his college career, Kingery had grown to 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, and the Phillies drafted him in the second round in 2015.
Before long, Kingery was tearing up the minor leagues, to the extent that he hit 26 homers with 65 RBIs and 29 stolen bases last season while splitting time between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Still, few expected Kingery, who turns 24 years old next month, to make the major-league roster coming out of spring training. That might have included Kingery himself.
"It wasn’t a certain thing for me," he said. "I was just working as hard as I could throughout camp and proving what I could do every time I stepped out onto the field. It all kind of came to reality just a couple days ago."
Kingery led the Phillies with a .392 batting average in spring training heading into their game Monday against the Pirates in Bradenton. He is third on the team in home runs with four, to go along with seven RBIs.
"He really forced our hand with the way he played," Klentak said. "[Manager Gabe Kapler] and I talk regularly. We have meetings with the coaches and the front office and talk about the best group to bring north, the best team we can put on the field to win every day.
"Scott Kingery puts us in the best position to win, his presence on our roster. As camp progressed, that was becoming more and more clear."
And Kingery showed during the last few weeks that he could play both the infield and the outfield. Klentak said that versatility certainly helped in making the decision to have Kingery start the season with the Phillies.
When spring training began, Kingery was used just at second base – his natural position – and third base. Then last week, Kapler had Kingery play in the outfield.
"I’m willing to play anywhere," Kingery said. "My main position right now is second base, but I’m just trying to get out there with the team if that’s in the outfield or anywhere in the infield. I’m willing to work on that and take a step in the door at a different position, if that’s what it takes. Eventually, that might not be where I end up, but right now I’m ready to play wherever I can."
Before long, Klentak started talking to Kapler about figuring out a way to make it work. That means having Kingery play several positions to have him in the lineup on a regular basis. But it also means making sure the other players – second baseman Cesar Hernandez, third baseman Maikel Franco, and the outfielders in Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr and Nick Williams – get regular playing time, too.
"I probably asked [Kapler] that question about 10 times," Klentak said. "We talked that through a bunch. We’re both very comfortable with it. But we also know it’s a little non-traditional.
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler on phenom Scott Kingery making the team, and where he’ll play. Martin Frank/The News Journal
Maikel Franco on hitting 2 Home runs and Aaron Nola on his pitching performance in Phillies’ win. Martin Frank/The News Journal
Jake Arrieta lasts two innings, allows two runs on three hits and strikes out two against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. Daniel Sato/The News Journal/Wochit
Jake Arrieta and Phillies manager Gabe Kapler on Arrieta’s first outing. Martin Frank/The News Journal
Phillies OF Aaron Altherr talks about hitting a go-ahead grand slam off Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, the first the left-hander has allowed in his career. Meghan Montemurro, The News Journal
Former Phillie and current Dodgers 2B Chase Utley discusses being back in Philadelphia for the second time after being traded in 2015, if he pays attention to how his former team is doing and if he plans to play next season. Meghan Montemurro, The News Journal
Phillies rookie outfielder Nick Williams discusses the team's 9-8 win in 15 innings after his walk-off double, and Rhys Hoskins' two homer game. Meghan Montemurro, The News Journal
Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins discusses his 14th home run of the season, his key bases-loaded walk and reliever Luis Garcia's impressive eighth inning against the Nationals. Meghan Montemurro, The News Journal
J.P. Crawford, one of the Phillies' top prospects, talks about getting called up and making his debut against the Mets. Meghan Montemurro, The News Journal
Phils’ manager on Kingery making team
Phillies’ Maikel Franco on 2 HR day
Arrieta makes first spring start for the Phillies
Jake Arrieta makes Phillies debut
Phillies' Altherr calls grand slam off Kershaw 'special'
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"So we just want to think it through from all different angles, and we did, and we’re really confident it’s going to go well."
Holland, for one, said he has no doubt.
"I just remember watching him in high school, and then through college," Holland said. "He grows on you, and before long, you’re like, ‘Wow.’"
The Phillies are expecting to have the same feeling after promoting Kingery and signing him to an unprecedented contract.
"Phillies fans are going to love this guy," Klentak said. "I think they already do, and he hasn’t even played a day in the big leagues."
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.