Phillies, SS Freddy Galvis Sign Deal to Avoid Arbitration

Galvis enters the most important season of his career with Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford looming in the minor leagues

Phillies fans have grown to appreciate Freddy Galvis for his boundless energy, and lightning fast glove at shortstop. The organization recognized his improved play not just in the field, but at the plate, and was able to avoid arbitration.

Entering the second year of arbitration eligibility, Galvis and the Phillies agreed to a one-year contract before reaching the arbiters table.

MLB.com Phillies insider Todd Zolecki first reported the deal, while Comcast SportsNet insider Jim Salisbury announced the terms of the deal.

Few expect a long-term deal to ever be on the table between the Phillies and Galvis. While his Gold Glove caliber defense and 20 home runs were impressive last year, top prospect J.P. Crawford is expected to join the team at some point this season.

Where Galvis fits into the puzzle going forward is a major question, and many believe he could be traded in the near future.

Crawford, who is widely considered a top-five prospect across baseball, will attend big league camp when spring training opens next month.

Galvis originally came through the Phillies system as a second baseman, and covered for the injured Chase Utley in 2012. He played across both the infield and outfield the following season, as the Phillies tried to find a home for their homegrown talent.

With Jimmy Rollins gone, Galvis took over as the everyday shortstop, and played all 156 of his games at the position last year. Over the past two seasons Galvis has missed just 15 games, most of which was simply rest.

With 480 career games under his belt, Galvis is a career .279 hitter with 40 home runs 172 RBI’s, and 29 stolen bases. This past season he set career highs in home runs, RBI’s, stolen bases, and strikeouts. He was also a finalist for the Gold Glove award thanks to his acrobatic catches.