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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.

Didi Gregorius will return to Philadelphia on a two-year deal. (John Jones/Icon Sportswire)

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.

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.