The Phillies have a new manager in Joe Girardi, and it seems pretty clear who he wants to be his new shortstop to begin his time running the team — Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius.
Gregorius, 29-years old, played for Girardi during his time with the Yankees, and left a great impression on the Phillies' new manager.
"He's a real character guy and he's a real hard worker who is a really important clubhouse presence. I felt that he was important to the clubhouse in New York and what he brought every day," Girardi said to reporters. "I've always been a big fan of Didi and what he's been able to accomplish."
Gregorius is one of the top free agents available on the open market, and not only is it expected that the Phillies will be making a strong push to sign the shortstop, Girardi doesn't even seem to be trying to hide it. It is expected that Gregorius will command a deal with an average of around $13 million per season. The team's decision to move on from second baseman César Hernández and third baseman Maikel Franco could be a strong indication that they feel confident they will land Gregorius.
The Phillies currently have Jean Segura at shortstop, but they could move him if they did bring in Gregorius.
Gregorius had a .718 OPS last season with 16 home runs, 61 RBIs and 17 walks in 344 plate appearances (82 games). He has played over 130 games in four of the last five seasons, all with the Yankees, and has a career OPS of .742 with a .264 batting average.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
