CLEARWATER, Fla. – Gabe Kapler has only been around Scott Kingery for six weeks, but that's been plenty of time for the Phillies manager to conclude that Kingery is worth the six-year contract the team awarded him Sunday.
"He's the kind of guy you make an investment in," Kapler said. "He's the kind of character you make an investment in. He's the kind of all-around athlete that you make an investment in."
The deal guarantees Kingery $24 million, a record amount for a player who entered pro ball through the draft and has yet to play a major league game.
Kingery's contract can grow to $65 million over nine seasons if the Phillies exercise three option years. In recent months, the Phillies have ramped up their rebuild by signing Carlos Santana (three years, $60 million) and Jake Arrieta (three years, $75 million). Now, they are not only bringing the 23-year-old Kingery to the majors, they are beefing up his bank account, as well.
"I think the message is, ‘We're ready,'" Kapler said. "We're ready to take a major step forward."
Kingery was the Phillies' top minor-leaguer last year and best player this spring. He deserves to be in the majors and will play often. But where? He can play three infield positions, with second and third being his best, and three outfield positions.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
If Kingery is in the starting lineup in Atlanta on Thursday, it stands to reason that whoever gets bounced won't be happy. Now, that might just be life in the big leagues, but it could still offer the rookie manager a challenge right out of the gate. How does he handle that?
"There's no question that there's a ripple effect to whatever decisions we make," Kapler said. "We're well aware of it. One of the things that we pride ourselves on is communicating effectively, communicating preemptively, so nothing comes as a surprise. If somebody is not in the opening day lineup, whether it would be Scott or somebody else, the message is, ‘You're probably in the lineup the next two, three, four days.' There's a reason for everything we do and we'll explain it them so nothing catches our guys by surprise."
Kapler has stressed versatility with his players from Day 1.
"It starts with getting guys blows to keep them healthy and strong," he said. "We'll do that with guys all over the diamond. Scott will get reps at positions all over the place. At the end of the day, these guys are all going to look up and be like, 'Holy smokes. I played every day, somehow someway.'"
Second and third base figure to be Kingery's primary places of employment. The Phillies face Atlanta right-hander Julio Teheran on opening day. Third baseman Maikel Franco is 10 for 28 with a .379 on-base percentage against Teheran. Second baseman Cesar Hernandez is 3 for 28 with a .242 on-base percentage.
Kapler hinted he could defer to a player's veteran status on opening day. But after that, it's going to be interesting to see how he mixes, matches and keeps everyone productive and happy.
