Scott Kingery, who has yet to appear in a major league game, recently signed a 6 year deal with the Phillies for a guaranteed $24 million that carries him through arbitration. What really makes the contact unique though is that it includes 3 team option years for $13 million, $14 million and $15 million which could raise the total value to $66 million. If he's a star the team has a bargain for 9 years. If he's a bust he still gets $26 million. Given this offseason's free agent bloodbath is this going to be the new normal for top prospects?

 

Phillies extend Scott Kingery, and the contract will be the new normal - SBNation.com

You see teams do this from time to time, but typically with some MLB time.

Cardinals did this with Piscotty and it didn't work and just did it with DeJong. They both basically played a year and they offered them a long term deal.

Cardinals did this with Piscotty and it didn't work and just did it with DeJong. They both basically played a year and they offered them a long term deal.

 

Big difference is this guy hasn't even made his debut yet.

 

I think this is going to be happening more and more often with some of the "not elite, but still highly regarded" prospects.

Bumgarner was ideal or Longoria as a Ray.