Phils Sign Gregorius to Complete Infield

2020 Chachi New Additions #8

On Friday, Didi Gregorius officially signed his one-year deal with the Phillies to be their primary shortstop for 2020.  The signing reunites Gregorius with Joe Girardi, his manager with the Yankees between 2015 and 2017, moves Jean Segura over to second base and serves as an upgrade over the departed Cesar Hernandez.  Gregorius had an off year in 2019, as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.  In only 82 games, he hit .238 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs.  The Phillies are hoping Gregorius returns to his 2018 form, the best year of his 8-year career, when he hit.268 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs.

Gregorius made his Major League debut against the Phillies on September 5, 2012 as a September call-up for the Reds.  Starting at shortstop, he went 0 for 4 against Roy Halladay and Jonathan Papelbon.  His first Topps flagship set appearances came in the 2013 base set with the Reds and in the 2013 update set with the Diamondbacks.  He'll wear his familiar #18, which means if the Phillies bring back Drew Smyly on a minor league deal, Smyly will need a new number.

I'm excited about this signing.  From everything I've read, Gregorius is going to be a great teammate and a positive influence in the Phillies clubhouse.  The fact he signed just a one-year deal also means he'll have some extra motivation to have a fantastic 2020 season.

Next up for the Phillies - starting rotation depth and perhaps another minor bullpen addition.

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Dickerson - of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Logan Morrison - 1b (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released.
• Jared Hughes - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Pat Neshek - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jason Vargas - lhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jerad Eickhoff - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Mike Morin - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Edubray Ramos - rhp - (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Maikel Franco - 3b (12/2/19) - Non-tendered, elected free agency.
• Cesar Hernandez - 2b (12/2/19) - Non-tendered, elected free agency.

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Robert Stock - rhp (10/30/19) - Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres.
• Cristopher Sanchez - lhp (11/20/19) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for Curtis Mead.
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (12/2/19) - Claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.
• Zack Wheeler - rhp (12/9/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
• Didi Gregorius - ss (12/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Yankees.