Philadelphia Phillies: 3 needs to address before Opening Day
By Tim Boyle
The Philadelphia Phillies need an upgrade somewhere on the infield
I expect Rhys Hoskins and Jean Segura to occupy the right side of the infield, with the former possibly becoming a DH more regularly. If he does, Alec Bohm makes sense to slide across the diamond and tackle the first base position more regularly.
The shortstop position, however, remains a major area of weakness. Didi Gregorius is still under contract, but with such a huge crop of free agents at the position, it would be a loss for the Phillies to come away without at least one of them.
I took a look at the four best options for the Phillies at the shortstop position. They range from the $300+ contract players to some who may only cost a couple million on a one-year deal. The important thing is for the Phillies to get better and not stay the same or get worse.
As needy as they are at shortstop, third base may require a longer-term solution. Prospect Bryson Stott could be on the major league roster at some point in 2022. If so, he could slide into the shortstop role and playing alongside someone like, I don’t know, Kris Bryant?
This would make the Phillies a Vegas favorite—I don’t mean gambling—with Stott, Bryant, and Bryce Harper all representing Sin City.
Next. All-time Phillies starting lineup. dark
Two bats, one for the outfield and one for the infield, plus a couple of relief pitchers completely change the hopes of Philadelphia Phillies fans. Can they do it? Will they do it? Let’s hope the lockout gives management time to stew and realize how much of a waste it is to have the MVP on your roster not make it to the postseason.