Didi Gregorius: Difference Maker
There’s a lot of guys on the Philadelphia Phillies that fans are counting on to lead the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
There are some obvious ones like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, Aaron Nola, and Zack Wheeler.
But one of the more overlooked members of the 2020 squad is new shortstop Didi Gregorius. The Phillies signed Didi to a one-year, $14 million contract this past offseason to play short, putting Scott Kingery and Jean Segura into a position battle for second and third.
Didi has a history with new skipper Joe Girardi since both were with the New York Yankees for a number of years. He’s a career .246 hitter with some pop and the ability to drive in runs. His solid bat gives Girardi a lot of lineup options. He can hit anywhere from second to sixth, allowing the Phils to construct the best lineup for that day.
But Didi brings a lot more to the team than his bat.
All you need to know about Didi is that he was the guy who took over for Derek Jeter in New York. That’s no small task, and he couldn’t have done it any better. If he can thrive in that environment, imagine what he can do in Philly. Then there’s his infectious attitude and a big smile. In a 162-game schedule, he seems like he’ll be able to keep the clubhouse loose, something that could be a game-changer, considering the past two seasons.
While the Phillies seemed loose at the beginning of last year, when things started to go south, the attitude and morale seemed to go south with it. That could be a big part of the September collapses that have plagued the Phillies under Gabe Kapler. Fans also have his victory tweets to look forward to. He did it in New York, and I’d imagine he would carry the tradition here.
Now the big question is if Gregorius is going to be here for one year, or if the front office would be interested in signing him to a multi-year deal after this season if he performs.
A lot of that depends on the prospects that are waiting in the wings and what the Phillies do with them. Alec Bohm is going to make a push for the big leagues this season and could be a fixture at third base for years to come. That could move Segura, who still has three years and a club option left on his contract, back to short. Shortstop Bryson Stott, the Phillies’ first-round pick in the 2019 draft, could reach the Show in a couple of seasons.
But the wrinkle lies in if the Phillies are right in the thick of things at the trade deadline. If a top tier pitcher who could get them over the edge is available, or Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado or someone else is put on the block by their club, the Phillies would have to part with Bohm, Stott, Segura, and others to get them there. I’d be hesitant to give up Bohm, but if the right opportunity is available, the team needs to pounce.
While it’s possible Gregorius’ time in Philadelphia could be short, he could be the catalyst that keeps the team’s morale high and be the difference between making the playoffs and sitting on the couch in October.
Featured Image: @CMaddaloniSC
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Categorized:Phillies