Cubs' Scott Kingery Reflects on Big Contract Before Making Impact

Kingery's experience contrasts with Pirates' young star Konnor Griffin's record-setting deal

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:56am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and colors representing a baseball game or match between the Cubs and Pirates, capturing the dynamic energy and high stakes of the matchup between veteran Kingery and rising star Griffin.The high-stakes clash between the Cubs' Scott Kingery and the Pirates' Konnor Griffin highlights the risks and rewards of big contracts for unproven young talent.Chicago Today

Cubs infielder Scott Kingery, 32, has played just 74 games in the big leagues this decade, spending most of the last three seasons in the minors. In contrast, 20-year-old Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin recently signed a 9-year, $140 million contract, with the Pirates confident he is destined for stardom. Kingery reflects on the pressure that came with his own big contract with the Phillies in 2018, before he had even made his MLB debut.

Why it matters

Kingery's story highlights the risks and challenges young players can face when given big contracts before proving themselves at the MLB level. Griffin's record-setting deal shows the high expectations and hype surrounding the next generation of baseball stars, but also the pressure that comes with such lofty financial commitments.

The details

Kingery was once known as 'Scotty Jetpax' and was favorably compared to former MVP Dustin Pedroia, but his career has been derailed by struggles, injuries, and ineffectiveness since signing a 6-year, $24 million contract with the Phillies in 2018 before his MLB debut. Meanwhile, the Pirates have invested heavily in the 20-year-old Griffin, giving him a 9-year, $140 million contract just days into his major league career.

  • Kingery signed his 6-year, $24 million contract with the Phillies at the end of spring training in 2018.
  • Kingery made his successful MLB debut in 2018, getting 2 hits and a stolen base.
  • Kingery had his best MLB season in 2019, posting a .788 OPS with 19 home runs.
  • Kingery missed the 2020 season due to a severe case of COVID-19.
  • Kingery was traded to the Angels in 2024, where he played just 19 games.

The players

Scott Kingery

A 32-year-old infielder for the Chicago Cubs who was once a top prospect in the Phillies organization, known as 'Scotty Jetpax', but has struggled to make an impact in the majors, playing just 74 games this decade.

Konnor Griffin

A 20-year-old shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates who recently signed a 9-year, $140 million contract, with the Pirates confident he is destined for stardom.

Jed Hoyer

The president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, who praised Griffin's talent and fast development path.

Nico Hoerner

A veteran second baseman for the Chicago Cubs who believes the risk is worth it for the Pirates in signing Griffin to a record-setting deal.

Dustin Pedroia

A former MVP and four-time All-Star who Kingery was once favorably compared to.

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What they’re saying

“He's super talented. Obviously, he was a guy we talked about in the draft, and he's had as fast a development path as I can ever remember. He's an exciting young star in the game, and it'll be fun to watch him in person.”

— Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations, Chicago Cubs

“I think [the Pirates] just dropped their City Connect yesterday, and my kids were looking at it and his stuff, and it was sold out in almost every imaginable way. It's great for baseball to have young players like this, that people are so excited about.”

— Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations, Chicago Cubs

“We've seen players in the past that debut at a young age and go on to have amazing careers. Obviously the organization has a ton of confidence in him, and his skill set is so impressive across all parts of the game, from defense to base running and power. He seems like an easy player to believe in overall.”

— Nico Hoerner, Veteran Second Baseman, Chicago Cubs

“I think at first people are going to be excited to get a look at the person who just signed the contract. If you go out on the field and ensure that you can play a little bit, I don't think they think about the contract. For me, I think that came a little later.”

— Scott Kingery, Infielder, Chicago Cubs

“I think a lot of people would look at it and say, you just signed a contract, you have guaranteed money. No need to worry, just go and play baseball. For me, since I had never played in the big leagues, I think there was a little more pressure on myself to prove that I was worth what they just paid me, to live up to the contract and play up to the contract.”

— Scott Kingery, Infielder, Chicago Cubs

What’s next

The Cubs and Pirates will face off in an upcoming series, giving fans a chance to see both Kingery and Griffin in action and compare their trajectories.

The takeaway

Kingery's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of giving young players big contracts before they've proven themselves at the MLB level. While the Pirates are betting big on Griffin's potential, his path to stardom is far from guaranteed, as Kingery's story has shown.