Fourth in a series of articles on Phillies off-season potential actions. If you missed part one on Outfielders here’s a link … https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-2-2021-considerations - outfielders
And part two - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-2-21-off-season-considerations-part-two - closers
Part three - bullpen depth - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-2-21-off-season-considerations-part-three
Shortstop :
Defense is first and foremost the need, it’s a must have that the middle infield can make plays night in and night out.
Internal :
Didi Gregorius has one year left on his contract at a price of $14 million. He had an injury riddled season in 2021 which equated to both poor defense and offensive production. He’s been a much better player than he’s shown us as a Phillie. Versatile players on the 40 man roster Luke Williams and Nick Maton are able fill-ins … Maton has been developed primarily as a shortstop. Ronald Torreyes is a strong defender at shortstop as well in a backup role.
Bryson Stott is the heir apparent to the position, he won the Paul Owens Award in the minor leagues this season and has been stellar in the Arizona Fall League. He will certainly be in big league spring training, it’s a matter of whether the brain trust thinks he’s ready to be the every day player in the big leagues he’s being groomed for. Luis Garcia is likely to spend the season at Jersey Shore/Reading … best infield fielder in the system who’s on the cusp of getting to the show.
Free Agents :
Freddy Galvis made strong impressions with his leadership skills once again. He was limited by a quad injury even after returning to action upon being acquired from Baltimore. The 31 year old’s contract in 2021 was $1.5 million. He’s likely in the $1 to $2 million range once again this off season. I still think he’s got plenty of baseball to play and void of the injury would provide a steady and sometimes spectacular glove in the middle of the field.
Aldreton Simmons ( Twins ) is still an excellent defender at 32 years of age, he had a poor offensive season in 2021 but would certainly be able to man the lowest spot in the batting order and still add value with his defense. He made $10.5 million last season on a one year deal, likely in the same range or a little less this off season on a one or two year term. Would definitely shore up the middle defense.
Jose Iglesias ( Red Sox ) is a very solid defender and had a solid year hitting .271 with 9 home runs and 48 RBIs in 493 AB’s. The 31 year old made $3.5 million in 2021 and was outstanding with the Red Sox after being acquired from the Angels. He hit .356 in 23 games for Boston in 59 AB’s appearing mostly at second base. He played a total of 119 games at shortstop and is a very good defender. A solid player who’s been with Boston, Detroit, Cincinnati, LA Angels and Baltimore. Would likely sign a one or two year deal in the $3 to $6 million range. Would make the plays and be a short term solution until Stott or Garcia are deemed ready.
Marcus Semien ( Blue Jays ) has a projected market value of $19 million per year on either a three or four year contract. The 31 year old played second base for Toronto in 2021 and hit 45 home runs with 102 RBIs. He’s a steady fielder at shortstop as well and is versatile to be able to move to another position.
Trevor Story ( Rockies ) projects to have a huge payday coming … estimated as high as $30 million per year for 7 to 8 years for the 28 year old. It’s doubtful the Phillies are a player in that money range, Story is a very good defender and even in a down year this season hit 24 home runs. Carlos Correa, Corey Seager and Javier Baez all project to have huge market value estimates … Correa ( 10 yrs @ $27 million per yr ), Seager ( 9 years @ $32 million per year ) and Baez ( 8 years @ $24 million per year ). Just don’t see the Phillies doling out that kind of cash for those terms.
Trade :
Elvis Andrus ( A’s ) has one year remaining on his contract … he will make $7 million in 2022 and then there’s a player option in 2023 for $15 million. The 33 year old has a full no trade clause he can exercise. He hit .243 in 2021 in 497 AB’s and is a good defender. If he were to waive his no trade clause he might be had however it’s an expensive second year price tag should he invoke his contract option.
Paul DeJong ( Cardinals ) is slated to make $6.2 million in 2022 and $9.2 million in 2023. His contract includes club options for 2024 ( $12.5 million ) and 2025 ( $15 million ) with a buyout of $2 million in ‘24 and $1 million in ‘25. He is 28 years old and is a steady shortstop defensively, a Cardinals type player, well schooled in fundamentals. DeJong had an uncharacteristically poor offensive year in 2021 hitting just .197 in 356 AB’s but did hit 19 home runs and drive in 45 runs. He lost his starting job to Edmundo Sosa … the Cardinals are also reportedly open to listening on center fielder Harrison Bader and closer Giovanny Gallegos as well … perhaps a bigger deal that fills multiple spots might be had.
Third Base will be part five of the series.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
