What Adding Didi Gregorious Does for Phillies Infield

The Phillies message this offseason has been clear, they wanted to improve their infield and have begun taking steps in the direction to do so.

Both Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco were non-tendered by the Phillies earlier this month, and started the process of replacing them on Tuesday by adding former Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorious on a 1-year, $14 million dollar deal.

The 29-year-old shortstop, who missed about half of the 2019 season recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery, hit .238 with 16 home runs and 61 RBI in 82 games for the Yankees.

Adding Gregoroius gives the Phillies a few options in the infield and also allows them to bring in a third baseman if they choose. While Gregorious will likely hold down the shortstop position, Jean Sugura, will have to move, likely to second base. Scott Kingery can move over to play third base or can be moved to centerfield if the team wants to bring in a third baseman like Anthony Rendon, Josh Donaldson or Kris Bryant.

A look at what the Phillies opening day lineup could look like:

1. Andrew McCutchen, LF
2. Scott Kingery, 3B
3. Bryce Harper, RF
4. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
5. J.T. Realmuto, C
6. Didi Gregorious, SS
7. Jean Segua, 2B
8. Adam Hasely, CF

The Phillies already added pitcher Zach Wheeler this offseason, he should slot behind Aaron Nola in the rotation.  The Phillies could look to add another arm for the rotation, which currently consists of Nola, Wheeler, Jake Arrieta, along with Zach Efflin and Vince Velazquez.

The Phillies bullpen will also need a makeover, gone area veterans Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter, Blake Parker, Mike Morin, and Jared Hughes.  The team does have some younger bullpen arms they could turn to, like Ranger Suarez, a returning Seranthony Dominguez, who was diagnosed with a small tear of the UCL in his right elbow in June, Victor Arano who has surgery on his right elbow in late May.

Closer Hector Neris is back and they should get veteran lefty Adam Morgan back.  He was battling a left flexor strain a shut down last year.