Didi Gregorius' top 4 potential landing spots in free agency

In 2020, Gregorius became a fan favorite in Philadelphia, despite never actually playing a game in front of fans at Citizens Bank Park. Mum has been the word on whether the organization will mount a serious effort to retain him, and it's hard to know whether re-signing J.T. Realmuto would make it more or less likely the Phillies spend to keep Gregorius in red pinstripes. Internally, the Phillies could use either Jean Segura or Scott Kingery as replacements, but both would be downgrades. With a potentially historic shortstop class looming next offseason, the Phillies may not want to commit to two or more years with Gregorius. But if they don't re-sign him, they'll probably be a worse team than what was already a disappointing club in 2020.

Gregorius told WFAN last month that he doesn't expect the Yankees to pursue him in free agency, although we're not so sure. Brian Cashman kind of left all options open regarding Gleyber Torres' defensive future after 23-year-old posted -9 defensive runs saved in 2020. Gregorius isn't a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop, but he's much better than Torres at the position. If the Yankees re-sign DJ LeMahieu to play second base, this discussion will likely be a moot point. However, if LeMahieu prices his way out of New York (which is a very strange thing to write), Torres could move back to second, and Gregorius could return in some form to a team he never really wanted to leave.

After missing the postseason for the sixth consecutive season, the Angels figure to be one of the more active teams this offseason. One of those moves could be pursuing Gregorius, as George A. King III of The New York Post has already reported that the Angels have some interest in the veteran shortstop. The Angels No. 1 priority this winter needs to be adding frontline starting pitching, which is why we believe they are the best fit for Trevor Bauer. Still, Andrelton Simmons is a free agent following five seasons as the starting shortstop for the Halos. Gregorius would be an upgrade offensively, joining a lineup that already includes Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon and Shohei Ohtani.

Gregorius actually began his career with the Reds, playing eight games for the team in 2012 before being dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks that offseason. There was some thought he could be a fit to return last winter, and that's resurfaced this offseason, with Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors predicting that Gregorius will sign a three-year/$39 million deal with the Reds. Freddy Galvis, the team's primary shortstop in 2020, is a free agent. With Trevor Bauer likely to depart in free agency, the Reds could stock up on offense, adding Gregorius into a lineup that already includes Eugenio Suarez, Nicholas Castellanos, Mike Moustakas and Joey Votto.