Cubs signing famous Phillies bust feels like another classic Jed Hoyer move

Improving the bench is believed to be one of the priorities Jed Hoyer has for the Chicago Cubs' roster this offseason, but his first effort in accomplishing that goal feels all too familiar. The Cubs have signed former Philadelphia Phillies second-round pick Scott Kingery to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

Kingery appeared to be on the ascent after a 2019 season with the Phillies that saw him hit 19 home runs while swiping 15 bags. However, that season has proven to be an anomaly, considering Philadelphia's former farmhand hasn't posted a wRC+ over 50 since then.

After a three-year hiatus of not appearing at the Major League level after his 2022 season with the Phillies, the 31-year-old utility man appeared in 19 games with the Los Angeles Angels last season. Still, it was nothing to write home about, slashing .148/.207/.185 with a wRC+ of 9.

Jed Hoyer just can't help but take a chance on another team's flamed out prospect

Considering the failures Hoyer has had in recent seasons in constructing a competent bench, jokes will be had. This is a Cubs team that has served as a retirement tour for Eric Hosmer, confirmed that Trey Mancini was no longer a Major League hitter, used Jon Berti multiple times as a mop-up pitcher in blowout games, and offered Justin Turner a vacation in Chicago last summer. Hoyer did trade for Willi Castro at the trade deadline, but even Castro flamed out in Chicago after he arrived from the Minnesota Twins.

The hope is that Kingery is nothing more than minor-league depth. The Cubs lost several positional players at Triple-A Iowa this offseason via free agency, and if nothing else, Kingery is depth and an insurance option for the Major League roster. Short of his being the most impressive player on the Cubs' roster next spring, there shouldn't be any scenario where he breaks camp with the team.

Adding Kingery is a reminder that the Cubs should be looking for a more established veteran as a utility man this offseason. Of course, if the Cubs add a starting third baseman like Alex Bregman, Matt Shaw could slide into that role.