Former Phillies Friday: Didi Gregorius set to play in Dubai’s ‘Baseball United’
Former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius‘ MLB career is likely over, but his baseball journey will continue overseas.
Gregorius was the No. 3 overall pick in Baseball United’s 10-round draft, getting selected by the Wolves, one of four franchises slated to compete in the league based in Dubai.
The Wolves are managed by former Seattle Mariners skipper John McLaren, with former AL Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández listed as an “honorary GM” for the team. Other notable MLB alumni on the Wolves are second baseman Robinson Canó and RHP Jair Jurrjens.
RHP Bartolo Colon and third baseman Pablo Sandoval also plan to participate in the league, with Phillies icon Ryan Howard among a group of league owners that also includes Mariano Rivera, Adrián Beltré and Barry Larkin.
The league is slated to begin play with a pair of All-Star showcases on Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, with Gregorius playing on the West team. Prior to the first exhibition, there will be a Fan Fest that is free to all who want to attend. For as low as $22, fans can be in attendance at the All-Star Showcase.
Gregorius initially joined the Phillies in advance of the 2020 season, following a successful five-year stint with the New York Yankees. After signing a one-year/$14 million deal, Gregorius was excellent in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, homering 10 times, driving in 40 runs and posting an .827 OPS. However, after being re-signed for two years and $28 million, Gregorius hit a wall physically, hitting .210 with just a .613 OPS in 166 games with the Phillies between 2021 and 2022, before being released in August of the latter year.
Following a successful stint with Union Laguna in the Mexican League, Gregorius signed a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners this past June. But he slashed just .192/.282/.337 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 25 games at Triple-A Tacoma before being released.
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