Phillies are reportedly bringing back Didi Gregorius

The Phillies are running it back.

They have reportedly signed Didi Gregorius to a two-year/$28 million contract according to The Athletic. Jayson Stark first reported the deal while Ken Rosenthal had the dollar figures.

Gregorius, 30, is coming back for the same price per year he signed for prior to the 2020 season. He was the only starting shortstop remaining on the free-agent market and with the Phillies committed to addressing the position, a reunion between the two sides seemed like the most likely outcome.

A two-year deal ensures that Gregorius wouldn’t be apart of the deep class of free-agent shortstops next season that includes Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Javier Báez, Andreleton Simmons and Marcus Semien. From a Phillies perspective, the signing ensures the Phillies will probably be no more than window shoppers when it comes to the loaded shortstop class next offseason.

Gregorius was excellent in his first season in Philadelphia. He slashed .284/.339/.488 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. There are questions about his defense but Citizens Bank Park fits well with his hitting profile and the Phillies need another left-handed power bat to complement Bryce Harper.

Projecting which current Phillies will still be on the roster in the final year of J.T. Realmuto’s contract

Update: The Phillies have also traded pitcher Cole Irvin to the Oakland Athletics, according to Jon Heyman. This will free up a spot to get Gregorius on the 40-man roster. They need one more spot to add left-handed pitcher Matt Moore, who was reportedly signed to a one-year/$3 million deal on Friday.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. Re-Signing J.T. Realmuto Doesn’t Make Sixto Sánchez trade a wash
2. More Details On J.T. Realmuto’s New Contract
3. Here’s What Didi Gregorius Is Reportedly Looking For In A New Deal
4. Mike Schmidt Wonders How Many Home Runs He Could Hit In Today’s Game
5. Zero Players Elected To Baseball Hall Of Fame In 2021
6. Sixto Sánchez Is Now The No. 1 Pitching Prospect In Baseball
7. Phillies Sign Veteran Righty To Minor League Deal
8. Former Phillies Pitcher Says He Didn’t Purposely Hit Scott Rolen
9. Phillies Sign Highly-Touted Catching Prospect Among Numerous International Signings
10. 3 Former Phillies Stars To Appears On Hall Of Fame Ballot For First Time In 2002