Feb. 10: The Phillies have formally announced their new two-year deal with Gregorius.
Jan. 30: The Phillies are in agreement on a two-year deal with shortstop Didi Gregorius, reports Jayson Stark of the Athletic (Twitter link). It’s a $28MM guarantee, adds the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The deal contains deferrals, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter).
Gregorius returns to Philadelphia after originally joining the Phils on a one-year contract last winter. That marked a prove-it deal of sorts after Gregorius struggled in 2019, and the veteran shortstop made good on the opportunity. He started 56 of the team’s 60 games at shortstop and hit a strong .284/.339/.488 with ten home runs over 237 plate appearances.
Given how well he performed in 2020, it makes sense the Phillies were happy to keep Gregorius in the fold. His return allows the club to leave Jean Segura at second base, where he played last season. That also keeps the Phils from having to pencil Scott Kingery into an everyday role after he struggled through a brutal 2020. Corner infielders Rhys Hoskins and Alec Bohm can now flank the Gregorius-Segura pairing on the dirt on most days.
Gregorius was often grouped with Marcus Semien and Andrelton Simmons at the top of this winter’s free agent market for established big league shortstops. All three agreed to terms this week, with Gregorius finding the most lucrative guarantee. Semien and Simmons each signed one-year deals (although Semien’s $18MM beats Gregorius’ $14MM average annual value), while Gregorius received a multi-year arrangement. However, his $28MM total figure comes in south of the MLBTR staff’s projection of $39MM over three years entering the offseason.
That could reflect teams’ trepidation over Gregorius’ batted ball metrics. His 83.8MPH average exit velocity last season ranked in the second percentile league-wide. He was near the bottom of the league in hard contact rate and barrel rate as well. Gregorius has never been one to hit the ball particularly hard, although his average exit velocity was closer to league average over his final two seasons with the Yankees.
Of course, Gregorius has found plenty of success despite those underwhelming contact quality metrics. He has been an above-average hitter in three of the past four seasons, with 2019, in which he made a midseason return from Tommy John surgery, standing as his lone down year. Gregorius puts the ball in play at an elite rate, leading to decent batting averages. He’s also established a knack for hitting the ball in the air to right field, enabling him to hit for a solid amount of power in games despite lacking huge raw strength and physicality.
On the other side of the ball, Gregorius has gotten mixed reviews from defensive metrics. Ultimate Zone Rating has long rated him as a roughly average shortstop, while Defensive Runs Saved has soured a bit on him recently. Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric, meanwhile, has pegged Gregorius as a below-average defender every year since being introduced in 2017. Over a two-year term, the 30-year-old (31 in February) shouldn’t have any problem sticking at the position, even if he’s no longer the defender he was earlier in his career.
The Phillies have managed to keep both of their top potential free agent departures, signing Gregorius a week after bringing back catcher J.T. Realmuto on a five-year deal. The Phils’ payroll now sits at an estimated $187MM, per Roster Resource, right in line with last season’s $185MM mark prior to proration (although the yet-undisclosed deferrals on Gregorius’ deal could drive that present figure down somewhat). The organization’s estimated $195.3MM in luxury obligations leaves a little less than $15MM for further additions if ownership is willing to spend up to the first tax threshold. Even after signing Matt Moore, Philadelphia could stand to add to the pitching staff if they hope to keep pace in a talented NL East.
From a broader market perspective, the Gregorius signing removes the last obvious everyday caliber shortstop from free agency. Teams without a clear option there, the Reds and Athletics among them, may now be left turning to the trade market to solidify the position.
One Bite Hotdog
Something like a phenomenon
One Bite Hotdog
I mean,
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me.
eklak
Guess that’s why they broke and he so payed
windmill_noise_causes_cancer
It is spelled PAID.
Francys01
Welcome back. This is a great move by the Phillies. Thanks DD for re-signing Didi.
costergaard2
I see what you did there ; )
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
The Stove is burning boys
bravesfan28
Why are the braves so poor?
davidk1979
They don’t need a SS
DarkSide830
well for one they don’t need a SS
DadsInDaniaBeach
Poor? Still beast of the East
sgord03
They don’t need a SS
sgord03
well for one they don’t need a SS
maxbaseball09
They’re going to sign Turner
Marty McRae
Better question: Why are the A’s and Pirates so poor?
ajrodz1335
Better Question why are the Rays so poor?
Philliesfan4life
Rays trade away Snell , all they needed was a big bat and they could be back in the world series
BobSacamano
Money and media market.
Why were the Rays and A’s more successful than the Phillies last year? Does money define success?
KD17
Throw out 2020. It wasn’t a valid season. Nothing that occurred in 2020 is significant in the long run, not even a world title to LAD..
Rays and As versus the Phils is 2021 is what matters. Phils with a full season of Girardi managing and DD getting him players will change the complexion of the franchise. A ring is in the future now!
3Rivers
They aren’t ‘poor’, they have the money, but they choose not to spend it.
jturk
Agreed 3rivers
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Because the Ted Turner sold the Braves to a corporation. Pretty much handcuffed them.
Jaa1968
Liberty media who owns the braves have 4 different people in ownership
Chief Two Hands
Because they use shiny objects as currency.
dirkg
If you’ve ever been to an As or Rays game in person you’d understand why their budgets are basically nil.
13Morgs13
Great move. Add some more pitching
HalfBaked McBride
agreed….soooooo many affordable RP options that would be immediately useful.
Or spend a little more for Colome and really get some!!
Ully
Did-did-did-di-deeeeee!!!!!
ghost of dave kingman
Made My Saturday
lippy10195
Loving this. Finally getting it right. Starting pitcher, please.
DarkSide830
gang’s all here
13Morgs13
I think this team can contend but they need to add pitching.
DarkSide830
well yeah the important FA are back
Rsk3228
They were a pen away from being a serious threat last season. Look at what their record would have been if they won all or most of the games in which they were leading going into the 7th inning.
Philliesfan4life
They still have some quality arms on the market , I would also take a gamble on Paxton
DarkSide830
pen away from contending for the East. that BP, no joke, blew at least a dozen games that even a slightly-below-competent pen would have held
g32knights
Blew 15 2+ run leads last year
VonPurpleHayes
In a 60 game season. It’s astonishing.
Yankee Clipper
Darkside, have you learned nothing from Metz22?! You are doomed to a WC birth, my friend….. (taps plays softly in the background)
HalfBaked McBride
True, saw some interesting stats on the Good Phight comments where the league average on blown leads/saves was around 16%
Last year’s PhillyBully was up around 26%
Non Philly fans can’t really understand how historically bad that bullpen was…to see it day in and day out for that 60 game sprint?? Oooof, groin kick after groin kick.
philliesphan77
Darkside-
Dang you beat me! I came here to say exactly this
kaibry96
I’m happy!
letmeclearmythroat74
I’m thankful he signed with Phillies as a Reds fan. He’s a good player but I think we can deal for something close in production and less expensive…. hopefully spend money on other needs … the one I wanted was Simmons for the Reds but we will see
Philliesfan4life
now they can sign some bullpen arms, still quality arms on the market.
Rbase
Who? Story is probably available but you’ll only have him for 1 year and he’s more expensive. I don’t see anyone else who is available right now and about as good as Didi.
Philliesfan4life
If they can add some bullpen arms, I believe the phillies can be a playoff team.
Rbase
I was talking about the reds here. That team in the “Nl Crying poor” division 🙁
Phillies are still the 4th best team in the division, maybe 3rd best if the Nationals’ moves all flop. Sadly for them they would be favorites in 3 other divisions (NLC, ALC, ALE).
MarkoRock68
Definitely not favorites in the ALE or the ALC
Rbase
I’d say co-favorites in those divisions. Twins, White sox and Phillies are pretty comparable imo, especially if the Phils get 1 more bullpen arm. And who is the favorite in the ALE right now? Oakland hasn’t done anything, the Astros had a losing record last year, have their 2 best pitchers coming back from injury and lost one of their best players in Springer, the Angels are better but the pitching is still shaky and the Mariners and Rangers are a year or more away from being competitive.
bhambrave
I’m guessing you meant to say ALW.
MarkoRock68
Go look up Fangraphs ranking by War. The Phillies would be 5th in ALE and 3rd in ALC. Take the rose colored glasses off.
thirstyforliberaltears
The Red’s lost a ton of money last year and aren’t going to spend this offseason without knowing for certain that fans are going to be in the stadium. Look for them to move Sonny Gray and anyone else’s salary that they can dump before opening day. Throw in 3 bad contracts in Moustakas, Castellanos, and Votto and this is going to be their mantra for the next couple of years.
Mendoza Line 215
The Reds went for it in a year without fans.
At least the Pirates knew when to be awful.
Nobody would have been attending their games anyway,
Chief Two Hands
The Pirates are awful every year. It’s not like they chose last year to do something different.
Mendoza Line 215
You must be five years old then as the second most wins in a three year period seems to me not to be too bad.
Philliesfan4life
Now they need to add more to the bullpen, I would also add another veteran starter. Can’t hurt to have enough starting pitching
HappyLittleTrees
Looks to be 2/28. Good deal right there.
Monkey’s Uncle
I love your user name.
OIC2021
This adds fuel to the fire with Reds looking hard at Indians offer of Ahmed Rosario, Bradley Zimmer, and Nick Wittgren in exchange for Nick and Amir Garrett
TrillionaireTeamOperator
Honestly thought it’d be 3 years/$46M. So is Sir Didi betting on himself in 2 years or was this the best the Phillies would offer and he wanted to stick around or was this his best offer period?
DadsInDaniaBeach
Well, this Phils scored a lot of runs last year and they will again this year as long as no long term injuries..the pen is a wee bit better (really hard not to be), and they still need pen pieces..I wouldn’t mind seeing a “BIG” rotation piece..
Anything the team does OTHER than the bullpen will be a surprise..
raef715
probably both- phils wanted to give 1, he wanted 3, met in the middle.
its_happening
Very good deal for the Phillies.
C-Daddy
This is a great deal but the Semien deal was trash? I’d rather have the upside of Semien for one year than Didi locked in for two, especially with the shortstops available next offseason.
its_happening
Semien deal is trash and the Jays still don’t have a strong starting rotation while they overpay for an overrated Marcus Semien. You want upside he hasn’t consistently reached. That same mentality locked Grichuk into a contract the Jays have a hard time trading. Upside.
And shortstops? You lose faith in Bo already? Wow…
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Al Avila STINKS!
luclusciano
Love this. He is worth the money and absolutely will be a strong addition (continued addition).
Rangers29
The Phillies have their 4th place team back intact!
Philliesfan4life
not if they fix their bullpen, I believe they are a playoff team
Eatdust666
Which they actually would’ve been even if their bullpen was mediocre, since they weren’t too far away even with that historically awful bullpen and that their rotation outside of Nola and Wheeler was not good at all.
VonPurpleHayes
Eflin. Everyone forgets Eflin. He was/is a good #3.
Eatdust666
Yeah, he wasn’t too bad, despite giving up one more hit than innings pitched and it certainly helped that he did not do what their starters other than Wheeler and Nola, which is posting a 5.00+ ERA and a 1.50+ WHIP or worse.
stymeedone
@angelsfanforlife
Are you really expecting Dombrowski to fix a bullpen?
A'sfaninLondonUK
@stymee
He’s very good – according to Mrs Leslie Neilsen, sorry Mrs Dombrowski – at plumbing maintenance, rocket surgery & home dentistry.
Consequently “sign here please Mr Boxberger” – as an example, not starting a rumour – isn’t too much of a stretch for chequebook Dave.
Just don’t let him put the black pyjamas on because he starts raiding farms like the Khmer Rouge…
ham77
Good one!
Philliesfan4life
I think they are missing one more bat maybe a legit center fielder , JBJ on a 1 year deal , still plenty of quality bullpen arms out there. They do that then they are a playoff team, not putting them over the braves or mets but they can be a 90 win team
raef715
no money left for that- just pen pieces probably. will sort through their centerfield options and hope one sticks.
herecomethephillies2018
Phils had a top 10 offense and middle 10 defense that was .003 fld pct from being top 10. Anyone who’s anyone knows their problem was bullpen, bullpen, bullpen, not just last year but the past 3 years. Fix the bullpen and this is a playoff team that has great chemistry together (minus Jean Segura).
Rangers29
What’s wrong with Segura? I really don’t know what his character issue is.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Ranger, no issues at all..
Joeyg2033
Doesn’t like to run out infield balls. Not only does he not like it… he doesn’t do it. Until the fans booed him for lack of hustle, he at least touches first base now.
VonPurpleHayes
Technically this was a 3rd place team! But I get your point.
Bart Harley Jarvis
I love a Rangers fan constantly trolling and sh!tposting the Phillies. Living in Texas and watching bad baseball seems to have crushed your spirit. Cheer up, better days are ahead!
MarkoRock68
By War with Didi included – Fangraphs has them ranked 4th
Mets-40.8
Braves-35.2
Nationals- 33.5
Phillies 31.4
They would be Tops in one division in baseball- can anyone guess which.
Rangers29
I wonder if Arenado changes that…
MarkoRock68
They project him as 4 War which brings the cardinals up to 29.7
The ALE is projected as the toughest.
Rangers29
Good little nugget. Thanks.
VonPurpleHayes
While WAR can sometimes be overvalued (meaning it’s the only stat some people look at), I think it’s predicting the NL East fairly accurately.
Rangers29
I still think the Mets are just *barely* better than the Braves. That WAR line could be a little closer between the two, but it is a pretty good ranking.
MarkoRock68
I agree- like all measures it is an imperfect stat but a good benchmark .
Yankee Clipper
That’s cool to look at…. you know what I noticed about team WAR? It doesn’t play games against the other team’s WAR, doesn’t account for the impending, inevitable implosion of a team (not implying one of these two specifically) that is supposed to be great ‘on paper’, and doesn’t account for the multitude of inevitable injuries bound to happen this year.
MarkoRock68
You should probably look up the definition of projection. Or do you prefer your crystal ball or a fortune teller.
Mjshof
WAR gives one view of NL East which looks fairly accurate. The Phillies haven’t changed anything, so can expect similar results.
The big difference maker will be:
– if the young Atlanta players take a step forward – I think they will
– if Freddie keeps producing at an elite level. I think he has a good, but not elite year
– if they get another elite year from a one year hitter. I say no
VonPurpleHayes
@Mjschof Phillies have a revamped bullpen. I think that’s a big change and a big step forward. However, the Mets, Braves and Nats all made bigger improvements. I just think it’s sily to say the Phillies are the same team when their bullpen, their biggest weakness, has plenty of new faces in it.
brian214
Oh my god, that is such a witty comment. I think you’re the 1st person that has made that remark this whole offseason.
Heaven forbid a team try to improve in the offseason by retaining a couple of their own free agents. Seriously, did a Philly guy take your pretend girlfriend from you or something? Your disdain for them and the consistency you voice it is tiresome.
Rangers29
I am fine praising them if they make a good move (which this was), but the Phils are my favorite team to crap on lmao. I’m sorry, but this club is so depressing it’s funny. So I make jokes about them. That simple.
Bart Harley Jarvis
Like I said, living in Texas and watching bad baseball…
Mjshof
Lol Philly fan getting miffed. I’ve had ties to Philly for 40 yrs and the fanbase is atrocious. Google the stories about municipal workers greasing light poles- it’s beyond funny and pitiful
Bart Harley Jarvis
I’m guessing you’re another fine Texan – bless your heart. Oh, and lol, omg, lmao, and whatever other juvenile acronyms that bind your thoughts together.
ipuritani
This makes so much sense for so many reasons.. I’m happier about this than the JTR signing (which made me very happy).
Oddvark
Breaking News: Half of Didi’s salary to be paid in GameStop stock.
DarkSide830
#GMEtothemoon
angt222
Good for Didi. He gets to avoid the crowded FA- SS market next offseason.
OIC2021
Senzel
NY_Yankee
This is a good deal for the Phillies and Didi. I always liked Didi, especially because he had to replace Derek Jeter. It is not easy replacing a legend, but he did admirably.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Well, this Phils scored a lot of runs last year and they will again this year as long as no long term injuries..the pen is a wee bit better (really hard not to be), and they still need pen pieces..I wouldn’t mind seeing a “BIG” rotation piece..
Anything the team does OTHER than the bullpen will be a surprise..
Philliesfan4life
only big rotation starter out there is odorizzi , I wonder what the reds would want for gray. No way they would go out for Bauer , but with Dombrowski in charge , anything could happen,. I say they need a legit CF. Maybe JBJ for a lead off hitter.
DadsInDaniaBeach
I disagree…I think they have enough in CF with Hasely, Roman Quinn, Goofy and possibly Scotty.. I’d rather see them gather some more arms..there is nothing with the Iron Pigs or at Reading..with the amount of starters each team goes thru in a season, they better stock up…
Philliesfan4life
True , you can put them out of the Bauer sweepstakes , I think add Paxton or Anibal Sanchez for the rotation , Still plenty of quality arms for the bullpen out there. the phillies can turn this around really quick. I gotta say if it wasen’t for Dombrowski coming in, they would of lost both JT & DiDi
PhanaticDuck26
agree @ Dads… while JBJ would be a nice upgrade, at a certain point you can’t have 90% of your positions players come from Free Agency; gotta see what we have in Haseley, and I’m bullish on him. With Didi and JTR back, that takes a bit of the pressure off a guy like Haseley to drive in runs, and he did play some good defense in the small samples we have seen.
With only a few funds remaining before the “cap”, they gotta spend it on arms. One more PEN and one more STARTER.
bumpy93
great move by the Phillies. 2 years 14 million dollars, seems like the Phillies aren’t going to go this entire offseason with the mindset of a small market team. DD has came into town about a month ago maybe a little over a month ago and so far is resigned JT, resigned DD gregorius, and also signed Archie Bradley. he also brought in a handful of players with minor league contracts that could find a roll on this team if they make it. now all DD has to do is possibly add another higher end bullpen arm, and hopefully a back end starter. the Outlook on the Phillies 2021 season has drastically changed over the last 30 days, thankfully
Philliesfan4life
I also like the Matt Moore signing , If they want to take a big gamble on a starter I would go for Paxton. Throws hard from the left side, and can give some length in the rotation
jim stem
Phils looking better…or much the same.
VonPurpleHayes
A lot went wrong last year. Most of it was the bullpen. Some of it was injury. If things bounce the right way the Phillies could be a serious threat. That being said, the Mets had a monster offseason. Braves added to their rotation. Nats will be significantly better by way of health, plus the moves they made. And Marlins are a feisty young team. Gotta love this division.
Simodine
If the phillies can add a number 3 starter and another bullpen piece i can see them competing in this division.
I’d be on the phone with the rockies. They have some starting pitching and bullpen arms. Rockies if they are smart (big if) they should be going the pirates route and selling everything they can.
DarkSide830
how much might Senz cost? I’d prefer him over Gray.
Simodine
Probably not much considering everyone traded this offseason seems to be for prospects in the 9-20 range. Rockies have 4 pitchers that can help the back end of any rotation. Plus maybe bard from the pen.
Paxton prob will cost around 8-12m. Most of the rockies guys are about half that and have less health concerns.
PhanaticDuck26
Disagree… Senz would cost quite a bit because he doesn’t even hit arbitration till NEXT year, so he could conceivably be around for the next Rockies competitive run (in theory, but unlikely). I seriously doubt they are in any hurry to deal him, unless a team just blows them away and I don’t see that happening. Story should be gone. Gray should be gone. But I think Senz stays.
Philliesfan4life
I would say sign James Paxton , throws hard from the left side. I know he’s coming off injury , but if healthy would be a great steal. Give him a 1 year deal with a second year option.
PhanaticDuck26
Odorizzi would be a nice add, but I think he’ll be out of the Phils’ price range. Love the splitter. To be honest, I think the next biggest expenditure should go to Colome, which might cost somewhere in the 2/16 or 3/24 range, I would guess.
Joe Momma
Phillies got JTR and Didi for a steal. I still miss having him in pinstripes. At least I get to see him drive Met fans nutty for 2 more years.
Marty McRae
True that, Phillies having a great offseason so far. That INF is really good. If they get a CF, some bench pieces and a couple more relievers they will be a legit contender this year.
Marty McRae
Oakland really is going to make Chapman play both SS and 3B at the same time, aren’t they?
Monkey’s Uncle
Yeah they seem to be left standing in the game of musical shortstops.
Chemo850
Man…I’m pretty impressed with the moves the Phillies have made this off-season. They signed JT, Didi and Bradley all for less than they were expected to sign for. The Blue Jays just gave a much lesser shortstop 18 million for 1 year and Phillies get Didi for 28/2. Meanwhile my Marlins haven’t done CRAP this off-season. I’ve never been this disappointed to be a Marlins fan honestly. Even the tear downs didn’t bother me. This lack of effort after last year bothers me. I wasn’t expecting them to sign big names, but damn at least bring back some relief arms to flip at the deadline. Good lord man.
ZeusMacalester
There’s no way that this is your Marlins nadir.
DadsInDaniaBeach
First, the Guppies are a very good very young team…..second, they beat the Phillies like a drum…Phillies need to find a way to change that..it’s so frustrating as a Phan to watch..
Robrock30
Great move, I always liked Didi from his time with the D’backs.
I had wanted the Mets to trade for him but they didin’t LOL and the Yankees did and he became a star.
mlbnyyfan
What other options did he really have. Predictable move
Robrock30
I assume you are a Yankee fan. I think the Yankees should have signed him for SS and traded Gleyber for Luis Castillo. Keep DJ @ 2B and Voit at 1B.
stymeedone
Too bad Reds aren’t trading Castillo.
Yankee Clipper
I think next year you could see something like that happen with Torres. It will all hinge on his performance at SS and whether his offense outweighs the holes in his defense. Imho, it is an uphill battle and once they signed DJ, they solidified someone’s fate to be traded next offseason in the very likely event they get a FA true SS.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Any updates on Seranthony? Will he pitch in 2021?
dhud
Reds are done. Refuse to do anything to actively become better. Back to 70 win seasons and 4th place finishes
DadsInDaniaBeach
I read that Senzel is on the block..
DadsInDaniaBeach
Bohm on 3rd, DeeDee at short, Segura at 2nd, and Rhys at 1st..Scotty is a super utility player and that’s about it..
Simodine
Add that with JT behind the plate, the phillies look pretty good on the dirt. Harper in right. The rest of outfield seems like a weak spot.
DonB34
Cutch will bounce back. He spent all last off season rehabbing a knee injury. This offseason he gets to actually train for baseball. Everyone seems to be forgetting he was leading MLB in walks and on pace for 30 homers before his injury.
Philliesfan4life
Bohm will be at first until Hoskins recovers
MetsFan22
The NL east so so annoying! My team is finally good and we have the toughest division. (Except the marlins) but even the marlins will be pest.
MarkoRock68
By War -Fangraphs has the ALE projected to be the toughest. Mets are projected Tops in NLE but both the Yankees and Jays are projected to have more War with the Rays and Red Sox not far behind.
Chemo850
Except the Marlins lmao. Meanwhile all the other teams in that division are thinking the same thing about the Mets with that over-hyped roster lol…I cannot wait until game 162 comes and goes and the Mets are sitting in 4th place….again lmao….
Mrtwotone
The Phillies are getting the band back together!
mlbnyyfan
I honestly wanted him back in New York and trade Voit for a pitcher. Move DJ to first and Torres to second. Don’t under estimate the value of adding a lefty bat to a lineup to balance it out. However all off season all we kept hearing was Yankees were on a budget. F the budget the time is now to go in to win a Championship. If not now then when???
Mrtwotone
That would have been an insane middle infield combination and I think Torres is more suited for 2ND base so it would have improved the defense a little bit. I wouldn’t sleep on Voit though, his bat is something special! I wouldn’t be surprised if Voit launched 50 homeruns next season with the help of Yankees Stadium. I Do agree with you about the lefty bat though. It makes it harder to play pitching matchups if you have a balance of righty and lefty hitters. It’s strange not having the Yankees win a chip recently. I was so use to the Yankees destroying my braves in the WS lol. It won’t be much longer I don’t think though. It will be a lot longer for my team sadly lol.
stymeedone
@nyyfan
Such a shame your team has ONLY spent to the CBT level, and did it poorly enough that you think they have holes.
Bart Harley Jarvis
Thank you!
Yankee Clipper
You’re welcome!
Mazinger31
Seems like the best fit for both Didi and Philly. Didi had a nice bounceback in 2020 and he’s proven to be a good fit for Joe Girardi’s clubhouse in both New York and Philadelphia. Plus, it’s not like Philly is paying peanuts at 14M/year for a SS in his 30s.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Wouldn’t a reunion with Hamels be a positive? He isn’t what he was, but still would give them what they need from the left side..≥
g32knights
I think Moore fills that left handed starter need
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Matt Moore hasn’t been a decent pitcher over a whole year since 2016. Roll of the dice for the Phillies on his signing.
sam00991
Please, just sign Cole Hamels.
VonPurpleHayes
Okay. Solid lineup intact. Solid bullpen pieces added. Could still use some work there. Also still need to fill out the backend of the rotation.
mlbnyyfan
Why not bring back both Hamels and Arrieta. Did they bring back David Robertson?
Philliesfan4life
No way , I would rather take a flyer on Paxton. Still quality arms out there for the bullpen to go sign
VonPurpleHayes
Because both are huge injury risks, and Arrieta was not good. I appreciate Arrieta battling and making some quality starts, but he was clearly toast for the Phils in his 3 year deal. Phils need reliable innings eaters.
Mrtwotone
I think Anibal could help your team out. I don’t think he’s toast yet, he’s bounced back before.
VonPurpleHayes
It does seem like a good fit, although hardly exciting.
Rsk3228
Please no Arrieta.
StuntPilot34
Didi is fine for now, but if the Phillies are precluded from potentially the best SS Free Agency class of all time because of this deal…
Would rather have a top SS and any 2B for the same price as Didi+Segura.
mlbnyyfan
@angelsfan what is your team doing this off-season? I thought for sure Bauer was coming to your team. Trout demands a trade to Yankees or Phillies to be closer to home
Philliesfan4life
Angels can still go get pitching, Odorizzi and trade for sonny gray or john gray. Pair them with quintana & bundy, thats a good team, Also they need another bullpen arm
Robrock30
Angels need an ace SP whether it be Bauer or another in trade. I prefer Luis Castillo if that is doable. Trout isn’t going anywhere. Dream on!
Philliesfan4life
Reds would want their first round pick they got last year and prolly more like Marsh or Adell. Maybe trade for him & sign Odorizzi. That would be a solid rotation
Robrock30
Either spend $ for Bauer or trade prospect capital for Luis Castillo.
I am not a huge fan of Sonny Gray or Odorizzi as aces but for #3 or #4s sure. I liked Gray with Oakland and Reds but he was horrible with Yankees so I don’t rate him as high as I did prior to the Yanks acquiring him.
I would fire Mickey Callaway in a heartbeat and spend the $ for Bauer if they can’t stomach the loss of top prospects.
Philliesfan4life
Or maybe Callaway & Bauer can bury the hatchet. Moreno missed out on Cole. Can’t believe that is gonna get in the way of them getting Bauer. If they got to trade for an ace like Castillo then should do it. Perry said they were gonna focus on pitching, I like the Quintana pick up, go get Odorizzi or Paxton , trade for Castillo or Gray. and i think they got depth.
Robrock30
I like Didi and Segura for their cost / value. I have been a huge Segura fan since his days as an Angels prospect. He makes things happen reminds me of Chone Figgins. I still remember the double steal with he and Andrew Romine in ST.
Simodine
1 year deal definitely would of been better. Even if it was in the semien range. Only if they wanted to try and land one of the big 5 free agent shortstops next year.
Seager
Lindor
Correa
Story
Baez
Could of still had a fallback plan of didi, semien or Simmons.
Philliesfan4life
I think Didi being there to be a stop gap for Stott. But I can see one of the big fish next year going to the angels. Also Kris Bryant will be a free agent
whosehighpitch
With the exception of story who will be traded shortly I don’t think any of them hit free agency.
raef715
not sure how a second year at 14 mil for Didi would keep them out of it necessarily- though they have more pressing needs then SS- but could move Didi to another position for ’22 or trade him if necessary.
DadsInDaniaBeach
It might be that the Phillies have one eye two years down the road..They have a strong kid due up in a year or two who has a lot going for him (Bryson Stott)..
thirstyforliberaltears
The Red’s sure haven’t made any effort to improve their .500 team. Take away Bauer, Iglesias, Bradley, and Galvis and this is a 70 win team at best. Castellini just doesn’t have the money to own a professional sports team and it shows.
CNichols
I really thought the Reds would sign him, the SS free agency market is pretty much out of viable starting options for them at this point and they’re out of luck.
Its also not like they’d be willing to pick up Story’s salary either, so I really don’t see how they get out of this one. I don’t know if its a 70 win team, the rest of the NL central isn’t anything to write home about, but they are squandering an opportunity to compete.
HitKing4HOF
The starting staff as currently constituted will not hold up over 162. Like the 3 we have but not convinced there is a true #1workhorse there. I’ve been disappointed with Nola’s struggles down the stretch the past 2 seasons. We need an innings eater of sorts who can help limit the use of the pen. Call me old school, but 5 innings does not make a starter.
Still looking up at the Braves and Mets I think.
Very Barry
The Phillies and Cardinals are two organizations headed in different directions. The worst defensive team and worst bullpen in baseball has now spent $150 on Realmuto and Didi to bring back their own players. To have a fan base “excited” about the season when their team has done nothing but bring back players that have proven cannot win, on a team that has holes everywhere. Why fire the old GM Klentak? The only thing Dombrowski has done is re-sign ALL the players that got the other guy fired! Backwards organization right now. These are the bad decisions that follow when you abandon a rebuild too early.
DadsInDaniaBeach
still hating I see..same ole rhetoric ….boring
raef715
they didnt win, they havent proven they cant win, and the guys they resigned are not the guys who kept them from winning and got the other GM fired-
they abandoned the rebuild too early because the other gm screwed up the rebuild.
Dorothy_Mantooth
The Phillies were a playoff team last year without that epic collapse by their bullpen. They have addition by subtraction in letting go most of their prime offenders from last year’s pen. If the pen turns around and only blows 50% of the saves they did last year, they will be in wild card contention.
VonPurpleHayes
@Very Barry Archie Bradley, Matt Moore, Jose Alvarado, Sam Coonrod. These are all guys on the major league roster who weren’t there last year. And they may seem like small moves, but they will have a huge impact (one way or the other) on the most ineffective bullpen in baseball. This doesn’t event take into account all the minor league transactions.
So no, this is not the same Phillies team as 2020. Except for the lineup, which was one of the better lineups in the NL. So I’m happy with that.
Look, you don’t like the Phillies. I get it. I also don’t believe the Phillies are there yet. But you can’t just spout incorrect nonsense. DD made some moves to address the pen and the rotation. I still think they have more work to do, and I expect them to make 1 or 2 more signings at least. Will these moves make the Phillies the best team in the NL East? I doubt it. But you can’t sit here and say this is the same team as last year. It isn’t.
Bjoe
Not sure why anyone would want to play for the Phillies
DadsInDaniaBeach
Great Phan base…great city…one of the very best parks to play in…etc etc etc etc
♪
Best home uniforms in baseball.
Lofton4daHOF
Cleveland now has 2 MLB caliber SS (and their top prospect is a SS) right when the market for the position dries up (at least for this year). I guess they didn’t get clobbered in the Lindor trade after all.
mhsaltz1963
As a Phillies long suffering fan, this is a great move. He has pop in his bat, he’s steady but not spectacular in the field and sets up the lineup and batting order perfectly. Segura now takes 2B as his position and sets up Kingery as a super utility player. CF is the only position not fully set. They need to add pieces to the bullpen but this team is good to go.
PiratesFan1981
All that offense and no pitching, sounds like the Phillies way. If the league was made up of first to 5 runs, Phillies might be at the top of the league. If their pitching can hold the other team for round 1
Scrap1ron
Now the Phillies need a center fielder and some pitching.
DadsInDaniaBeach
again, I am of the opinion they do not need a CF..Use that cash elsewhere like arms, more arms and then after that, some arms
Philliesfan4life
I agree as well, the only thing I would of done was sign Springer if they lost JT, but it worked out well for them. I say go for Paxton , what would the reds want for sonny gray? Let Spencer Howard develop another year. Then for the bullpen , they got Colome still then shane green. Jake Mcgee as well
Mr. Chuck
Assuming for a moment that he has value as a player, how do you think Phillies fans would react to a return of Odubel Herrara?
DadsInDaniaBeach
They’d boo him and then let it go..Goofy can play a solid CF and is a fair to midland hitter
HappyLittleTrees
I was thinking the same thing. While certainly not spectacular, he could still be better than the other options. Plus, they’re paying him regardless. There are things to like about Haseley, Quinn, and Scotty, and things to not like about Odubel, but maybe at least give him his reps at ST and see how it shakes out.
HalfBaked McBride
50/50…..clearly, any domestic violence situation is both VERY bad and (from a business standpoint) problematic. That said, Odubel said all the right things, showed contrition, received counseling….so, I personally don’t think he should be blackballed for life.
Addy Russell situation is worse
Hector Olivera, Jose Reyes, Julio Urias also worse
Odubel is in more of a Steven Wright situation
Also, Mike Vick, who did some truly awful things….came to Philly and did a lot towards rehabilitating his image.
If he came back to Philly? I think it’d be a mixed bag and probably be a sideshow of sorts, at least for a bit. If he carries himself well and owns his past? I could see the team having his back
Please do not misunderstand this post as anything apologetic/tacit approval in defense of these men and their serious situations. Men who physically assault women are loathsome, in my opinion. Such men should seriously change their ways with professional help and in finding true self-awareness about their failings and flaws.
As a Philly fan? I’m in no hurry to see Odubel back. But he should also have the opportunity to ply his trade elsewhere if some team will have him.
IjustloveBaseball
On the surface, the Phillies are essentially rolling out the same core, hoping for different results.
Hopefully Moore, Bradley, and Alvarado can boon the pitching staff.
Philliesfan4life
If they could add Paxton & Shane Green , then I think they would be a playoff team
Dorothy_Mantooth
Time to bring Brandon Workman back!
theodore glass
I kinda want him for cheap in Boston Dorothy what do you think?
JoeBrady
I like him. Nothing special, but I think his time in Philly destroyed his value. He was pretty decent the last four years in Boston. An amazing 17-3, 2.65 ERA, 2.45 K/W, with 10.2 K/9, with good numbers at Fenway.
pappyvw
And … so the Redlegs do … wait for it … wait for it … NOTHING at SS. Being cheap in baseball sux for the fans
Rsox
The Reds were not going to sign DiDi it had been stated earlier in the offseason that he had no real interest playing there.
HitKing4HOF
As a Phils fan I want to be optimistic even though that is exactly the opposite definition of a Phillies fan. Most winning teams have a little good luck go their way throughout the season. But banking on a repeat of the same offensive production from a year ago (over 162 games) seems optimistic, coupled with not much of a step forward on the pitching front. Until they can prove otherwise, they are a 3rd or 4th place team in this division.
Need to start building the farm system and stop relying on “throwing $$$$” at FA as the solution. Without prospects we can’t even fill the needs that arise via trades. So is the life of a Phillies fan. On the plus side, at least we’re not the Pirates or Orioles!!!
DadsInDaniaBeach
Be thankful not the Rangers either 22-38…Phillies were bad, but still better than them..
The Rangers are my favorite team to crap on..They are so pathetic it’s funny…
see what I did there…
Mendoza Line 215
Although the Pirates made the playoffs with second most ML wins during the period 2013-2015,and the Orioles made them in 2016.,neither have made them since.
The Phillies?Fine team ending their premium period in history in 2011.No winners since.
Maybe the Phillies can end up having a winning record this year at least.
DonB34
With Arenado and cash on the move, Charlie Blackmon is likely next. Segura and a couple low prospects for Blackmon. You have your CF who is also left handed. Dude has been a monster at Citizens Bank Park.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Phillies do not need a CF
Rsox
Blackmon is not a CF anymore than McCutchen is at this point.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Cutch is now a LF…seemed to do well there
Rsox
That was my point
raef715
giving that 3rd year to Cutch was a real killer for the Phils- you see a guy like Rosario sign for half his $- phils could fill other holes with that money
Blackjackscout
What the Phillies are finally showing is some sanity and professionalism in their front office. But they can’t stop until they get that bullpen filled up. They are in so much better shape than they were at the end of last season.
bradthebluefish
Good signing. Phillies have him locked up for the remainder of his prime years. Surprised Didi didn’t go for another 1-year, prove-it deal.
of9376
Huge overpay
JoeBrady
Why?
of9376
His last two seasons he’s had a WAR under 1.3 coupled with bad defense at SS. The drop off from his NYY days has been dramatic.
leftcoast11 - pyramidsuccess
Musical chairs with SS the next 13 months.Phil’s thinking DiDi for 28 million is a big mistake.I would of given him 1 yr tops and then would of entered back into the market next yr when the FA situation will be ripe w/ great ss’s.
raef715
well thats what the Phils wanted to do, but Didi didnt want to be a FA with that class- so they compromised on 2- thats what you have to do sometimes-
Scrap1ron
Kingery, there’s a long term contract decision they’d like to have back.
DadsInDaniaBeach
I certainly agree….I would love to see him get his hands off the bottom of the bat and just try to drive the ball and not swing for the fences..
Actually, there a few players on that team that could take that approach..
Mendoza Line 215
Kingery has been screwed around with too much,He is a fine second baseman who as a young player has been made into a utilityman.That is OK for someone with just OK talent but they should have left him alone to develop his ML hitting.They also did not need to give him that big contract right away.Covid hurt him last year but he just needs to play consistently at second base to mature into a good ML player.
wu tang killa beez
Fair deal, Didi is a good shortstop and he is clutch
Yankee Clipper
Love Didi, he was great in NY. Would’ve been happy to see him return. True professional and makes any team he’s on unquestionably better. He’s also come through in some pretty clutch moments. This move is solid for any ball club. I don’t think it is a huge over pay. Wait until the free agent market next year, especially if things normalize this year – you’ll be glad your team signed him.
What I don’t get is that the Phillies sign JTR but no one to throw to him (?)
NatsPhils
Their starting pitching was top ten last year. They did sign Matt Moore and maybe one more coming? Nola/Wheeler are a good top two and Eflin is good. The pen was the problem. ERA over 7 runs per game. They signed Archie Bradley and traded for Alvarado.
JoeBrady
As a RS fan, I’m glad they signed DJ instead of DD. Not saying he is better, but he’s only two years, and he is a better fit.
Robrock30
Yankee Clipper,
I always was high on Didi. Do nothing Sandy Alderson wouldn’t trade for him when Mets were rolling out Ruben Tejada as the starting SS while Cashman traded for him to replace Derek Jeter. Toughest act to follow and he performed admirably. Joe Girardi knows how valuable he is.
DadsInDaniaBeach
also, his bat plays so well in the Bank..
Robrock30
Dania,
Hello you are in my neighborhood in Florida.
Is the Jai alai Fronton still operating?
DadsInDaniaBeach
It’s now called the Dania Casino..
Robrock30
I have been by there many times but never inside. I have been to the one in West Palm Beach.
I go to the Hard Rock complex which I enjoy and dine at Tropical Acres on Griffin Road.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Tropical Acres is about two. minutes away from me..Now we have a huge retail place called Dania Point..Google it..more eateries than you could ever imagine..
Robrock30
Right now I am up North (brr with snow) but next time I will check it out for sure.
I used to go to Tropical Acres with my Parents back in the day. I ordered their surf and turf with French onion soup and Key Lime Pie for dessert mmm so good. Highly recommend
bhambrave
Even though I’m a Braves fan, seeing JTR and Didi come back to the Phils just feels right.
Signing Didi to a two year deal is smart. If the Phils want a primo SS next year, Didi gives them a reasonably priced trade chip for teams that lose the studs.
seamaholic 2
“Even after signing Matt Moore …”
That’s hilarious.
jimmertee
DD is action. Gotta like it.
FloridaMan1988
Analytics have killed sports
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Al Avila STINKS!
Doodoo Gregarious
Hooray!
DadsInDaniaBeach
I liked Blake Parker last year..seems he did fairly well until I looked at his era (5.04)…but that doesn’t tell the whole picture..
In 25 innings, he gave up 19 hits and 6 BB..The HR killed him with 6….Perceptions are misleading..I still thought he was decent..oh well
kje76
Honestly, the bulk of the pen was so horrible last season that it made Parker look better by comparison.