Philadelphia Phillies: What’s the plan at shortstop?

The Philadelphia Phillies are rumored to have a lot of interest in a deal with either Kris Bryant or Kyle Schwarber. Two big bats that can fill a variety of roles, one of them is likely to open the season in red, white, and blue.

In addition to a slugger like one of those two, the team could use an upgrade at shortstop. Didi Gregorius is coming off of a poor season on both sides of the ball. In 408 plate appearances, he batted only .209/.270/.370. Defensively, he was worth -0.6 WAR.

An idea I floated out there a few weeks ago was for the team to target free agent Andrelton Simmons on a one-year deal. He’d improve the defense while also not costing them a lot of money. It would allow them to pursue Bryant and Schwarber without taxing the payroll. Simmons did end up signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs worth only $4 million. Now that he’s off the table, I think we have our answer for what the Phillies plan to do at the shortstop position.

The Philadelphia Phillies starting shortstop on Opening Day 2022 will be Didi Gregorius.

The $15.25 million payday coming Didi Gregorius’ way has a lot to do with Gregorius keeping his starting job. It’s a lot of money. And, frankly, not an easy contract to dump elsewhere.

It’s one thing if Gregorius had 30 home run potential or was a Gold Glove-caliber defender. He’s not really either at this point nor has he ever quite been a one-directive ballplayer. What made Gregorius a noted shortstop was his above-averageness with power and even defense at one point.

We shouldn’t expect the Phillies to sign any of the big name shortstops still available. While a deal with one of the guys in the Simmons tier is possible, the whole benefit of him was to improve the defense at the shortstop position. The Phillies may be hoping for a bounceback season from Gregorius. And even if they are, the 2022 shortstop plan should include one other name.

The Philadelphia Phillies starting shortstop at the end of 2022 will be Bryson Stott.

It’s not how you start but how you finish—says some high school sports coach somewhere. The Phillies may not have an excellent plan at the start of the season with Gregorius at shortstop. By the end of the season, things could line up well for prospect Bryson Stott to play the position.

Stott made it to Triple-A last year. Ten games in, he could use a few more months to truly prepare himself for major league games. He has been excellent at every level he has played in his two minor league seasons thus far.

So while it may be a little disappointing to see the Phillies rest with the same plan at shortstop this year as they had last year, help is on the way. They’re gambling on Gregorius one more time. If he performs well, it shouldn’t stop Stott from climbing to the major leagues at some point. Gregorius could easily get some at-bats in as a DH this year.

For at least Opening Day, expect to see Gregorius out there. When the Philadelphia Phillies clinch the division in late September, it should be Stott at the position.