The Phillies are intent on adding a shortstop this offseason. They’ve shown interest in Marcus Semien, Freddy Galvis and Didi Gregorius and with the latest news, they’ve now been linked to every starting shortstop that’s currently available on the market.
According to Sportsradio 94 WIP’s Howard Eskin, the Phillies “have serious interest” in former Braves and Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons. The Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds are reportedly among other teams interested in the four-time gold glove winner.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said earlier this month on MLB Network Radio “Anybody that’s out there at this point would be one that’s a possibility,” in regards to free-agent shortstops. Dombrowski also told Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia that the Phillies were “interested in signing” Gregorius.
Simmons, 31, would be a massive upgrade for a Phillies team who had one of the worst infield defenses in the league. Since 2017, Simmons has been worth 44 outs above average and is considered one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB. He’s not a threat on the offensive side, so he slots no higher than sixth in the Phillies’ batting order.
Eskin also mentioned that the Phillies are looking to sign Simmons to a one-year deal. They could be hoping to be players among next year’s loaded free-agent shortstop class but it’s fair to wonder whether the team would have the appetite to hand out another long-term deal, especially if they sign J.T. Realmuto to a lucrative deal in the coming days.
With Bryson Stott a year or so away, the Phillies would prefer to not make a long-term commitment at the shortstop position. In the end, they’ll most likely sign whoever they can get to agree to a relatively inexpensive one-year deal. They’ll be happy to retain Gregorius but if they opt to go with Simmons, the Phillies pitching staff can breathe easier knowing they wouldn’t have to worry too much when a groundball is hit up the middle.
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