Philadelphia Phillies: Top 4 remaining free agent shortstops ranked
By Tim Boyle
Do the Philadelphia Phillies believe in Didi Gregorius? If they do, they might be alone in this world.
Gregorius hasn’t hit well, has played poorer defense, and has had trouble staying healthy. Certainly a trade candidate this winter, the Phillies may end up having to move him to the bench and find another solution at shortstop for the coming season.
The timing is actually pretty good considering how deep this winter’s crop of free agent shortstops is—or at least was. Corey Seager ended up with the Texas Rangers and Javier Baez will suit up for the Detroit Tigers.
Fortunately, there are still some free agent shortstops for the Phillies to consider. These four remain unsigned and could be an upgrade.
4) Philadelphia Phillies shortstop candidate: Andrelton Simmons
It doesn’t seem that long ago when Andrelton Simmons would have been a name to excite Phillies fans. However, the four-time Gold Glove shortstop is coming off his worst year at the plate. As a member of the Minnesota Twins in 2021, Simmons batted .223/.283/.274 with only 3 home runs and 12 doubles in 451 trips to the plate.
Still a superb defender, Simmons would be a better fit to play shortstop in the 1950s or 1960s when a middle infielder could get away with being so absolutely below-average at the plate but elite in the field.
The poor defensive output the Phillies brought to the field in 2021 needs to be addressed. However, Simmons might be a little too foregone at the plate for them to seriously consider. Surprisingly younger than I would have guessed at only 32, Simmons’ next contract won’t be a huge burden on any team’s payroll.
Simmons should be under the team’s consideration because of what his glove can do, how it can allow the team to spend in other areas, and the potential to maybe hit the way he used to. Simmons won’t win a Silver Slugger. Maybe he can at least get closer to the .265/.313/.369 hitter he has averaged throughout his career.