With the Phillies potentially looking for a utility player to add to their bench, they may be in the market for former Pirate Josh Harrison.
The Phillies have already upgraded their infield this offseason, acquiring shortstop Jean Segura from the Mariners. They are looking to upgrade it further with a certain former Oriole, but in the event they can’t, they have other options available.
After eight years with the Pirates, Josh Harrison is a free agent for the first time this offseason. Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reported that Harrison has already received interest from multiple teams with even more, including Philadelphia, potentially joining the market for him:
Josh Harrison, very good super utility player with plus 39 DRS at 2B/3B, has interest from Nats, Reds, Rangers, Giants, Brewers, with Yanks, Phils, Dodgers potentially in play, depending on the big guys
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 27, 2018
As Heyman noted, Harrison has been rather strong defensively throughout his career at second and third base. In his career, he has 20 defensive runs saved at second base and 19 at third base. Harrison spent almost all of the 2018 season at second base, winding up with -2 defensive runs saved and a -4.4 UZR/150 there.
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2018 was a weird season overall for Harrison as he missed a month early in the season when he broke a bone in his left hand. He played only 97 games, posting a .250/.293/.363 line with eight home runs and 37 runs batted in. Harrison’s 80 OPS+ was the second-lowest of his career.
Harrison broke out in 2014, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 52 runs with a .315 batting average and .837 OPS. He was named to his first All-Star Game and finished ninth in MVP voting.
Harrison was an All-Star again in 2017 with a .272/.339/.432 line, 103 OPS+, 16 home runs, and 47 runs batted in. He stole 12 bases in 16 games, walking 5.2% and striking out in 16.6% of the time.
As a whole, Harrison has been around league-average as a hitter during his career. In 842 games, he has a .277/.317/.408 line with 52 home runs, 269 runs batted in, 75 stolen bases, and a 97 OPS+. He has the upside of an All-Star, but that is no guarantee with him.
Harrison wouldn’t be a terrible option at third base or in a backup role if that is what the team is looking for. His hit tool is pretty strong, but he doesn’t hit for that much power.