CLEARWATER, Fla. – Scott Kingery is coming to the major leagues.

Now.

Not later.

Now.

The Phillies signed the 23-year-old infielder to a six-year contract Sunday. The deal includes three option years and puts to rest the issue of when to start his big-league service-time clock.

It will start opening day in Atlanta.

Kingery is guaranteed $24 million through 2023, according to a source. The deal includes club options for 2024, 2025 and 2026 at $13 million, $14 million and $15 million, respectively. So the entire deal could be worth $65 million over nine years.

Though Kingery has been their best player in spring training, the Phils had been leaning toward keeping him in Triple A until mid-April. That would have pushed Kingery’s potential free agency back until after the 2024 season. All of this is now moot.

Kingery, 23, was the Phillies’ second-round pick in the 2015 draft. The former Arizona Wildcat is a former Pac-12 batting champion and player of the year. He is a second baseman by trade but can also play other infield positions, particularly third base, and the outfield. He has played second, third and the outfield this spring, while leading the team with a .392 batting average. He is 20 for 51 with this spring with three doubles, a triple, four homers and four stolen bases.

Kingery was the Phillies’ minor-league player of the year last year. His combined totals at Double A and Triple A were: .304 batting average, 29 doubles, 26 homers, 65 RBIs, 29 steals, .889 OPS.

Manager Gabe Kapler is expected to use Kingery all over the diamond during the regular season. Down the road, the Phillies could trade Cesar Hernandez to open second base for Kingery. It’s also not out of the question that Kingery becomes a full-time fit at another position.

Kingery did not play in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Orioles. After the game, he celebrated his new deal by beating teammate Rhys Hoskins in a clubhouse ping pong match.

Kingery did not comment on the deal. He will speak at a news conference in Clearwater on Monday morning.

To clear room for Kingery on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated pitcher Ricardo Pinto for assignment. Also, the Phils sent utility man Jesmuel Valentin to Triple A. He had a tremendous spring, but the Phils want him to get regular at-bats. Pedro Florimon and Roman Quinn remain candidates for spots on the bench.