Philadelphia Phillies: Jean Segura’s club option officially declined
The Philadelphia Phillies have seen a number of roster moves just two days removed from their heartbreaking loss in the 2022 World Series. The offseason moves quickly, however, and just as quickly as the season ended, players’ fates for the 2023 season have already begun to be decided.
Yesterday, Noah Syndergaard, Kyle Gibson, David Robertson, Brad Hand, and Corey Knebel all entered the upcoming free agency pool. Then earlier today, it was made public that the Phillies would be opting into Aaron Nola’s contract for next season, while pitcher Zach Eflin declined his mutual option.
That feels like a lot of movement just two days from the World Series, but such is the way of life in this game. There is no time to mourn; one must move on quickly to keep up with the Joneses, as it were. Now, in their latest move, the Phillies have announced that they are declining the option of a player who’s been a staple of the infield for the past four seasons.
The Philadelphia Phillies have declined the $17 million option on Jean Segura.
Jean Segura has a bit of an interesting history with the Phillies. There was a time when Segura was among the most hated modern-day players in Philadelphia. This would be when a lack of hustle led to fan-favorite Andrew McCutchen tearing his ACL in June of 2019.
Since then, however, the narrative surrounding the Phillies’ second baseman has changed dramatically. This past season, he was one of the most beloved on Philadelphia’s most lovable team since (arguably) 1993.
To start the season, Jean Segura was also one of the Philadelphia Phillies’ most important players, energizing the team in the early months and even carrying them at times. Before breaking his index finger on a bunt attempt on May 31st of this year, Segura was hitting for a .275 average and was on pace for career-highs in home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases.
He may not have carried that into his first-ever postseason run, hitting just .214, but even still, Segura became a mainstay for this Philadelphia Phillies team, and he will certainly be missed. That is if he is truly finished with the City of Brotherly Love.
Yes, this move absolutely opens the door for the addition of a star the caliber of a Trea Turner or a Xander Bogaerts. However, the possibility still remains that Segura could return to Philadelphia on a more manageable, or perhaps even multi-year contract. If any of these potential outcomes becomes a reality, it’s tough to see the Phillies taking issue with it.
Next. Aaron Nola set to return as Zach Eflin opts out. dark
While Jean Segura’s days here may not be over, in case they are, his time here should be remembered fondly, as should he be.