The Philadelphia Phillies have a new shortstop and his name is Didi Gregorius. Philadelphia had interest in Gregorius and for obvious reasons. A: They need an infielder after letting Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco walk. B: Joe Girardi loves Didi from his time in New York so the connection became obvious. The two sides got the deal done and Didi Gregorius is the newest member Philadelphia Phillies.
Joel Sherman was the first to report the news:
Details have come in that the deal will be just a one year deal. This is such a smart deal for the Phillies. One year deal with almost no risk. The reports have come out and it’s going to be $14 million for Didi. Not too far off from the qualifying offer the Yankees didn’t offer him. Gregorius is a really smart bounce-back candidate. Didi was rushed back after undergoing TJ surgery in the offseason. Didi had a down year in 2019. However, Gregorius has a track record for being one of the best players at his position.
Here’s what I know. Didi hit 72 homers from 2016-2018. Not many Shortstops doing that. In 2017-18, Gregorius totaled 8.9 fWAR which ranked 3rd in the sport. Didi still has youth* on his side and should have more productive years left. Give him a full year to recover and Gregorius is going to be the best bargain out there.
For the Phillies, Gregorius was necessary. Jean Segura can play either second or third. Same for Scott Kingery. Rhys Hoskins stays at first. There is your infield. The Phillies got better today and are starting to become very dangerous. First Zack Wheeler and now Didi? Watch out.
