According to multiple sources, the Phillies have a deal in place with shortstop Didi Gregorius. It's a one-year deal worth a reported $14 million.
The 29-year-old missed a significant chunk of last season recuperating from Tommy John surgery. In 82 games with the Yankees, he hit .238 to go along with 16 homers, 61 RBIs, and a .718 OPS. Over his eight-year career, he's hitting .264 with a .742 OPS. He posted a career-high 27 homers in 2008 and drove in 87 runs in 2017.
The addition of Gregorius means Jean Segura will likely move to second base or third base. Scott Kingery would likely then fill in whatever void remains in the infield.
Gregorius played under new manager Joe Girardi during his tenure in New York. The two have a good relationship, and that's believed by many to be one reason why this deal came to fruition.
The one-year deal allows Gregorius to showcase his health with an opportunity to land a more lucrative contract next winter.
The $14 million price tag means the Phillies are within striking distance of the $208 million threshold where the luxury tax kicks in, meaning it's highly unlikely the club targets another high priced player on the open market.
The Phillies believe they have a top-tier prospect third baseman in Alec Bohm, but he's yet to see a pitch above Double-A. The one-year deal with Gregorius means the 23-year-old Bohm can have another full season to develop at either Double-A Reading or Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 125 games last year, split between A and AA, Bohm hit .305 with 21 homers, 80 RBIs, and an .896 OPS.
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