The Phillies two longest tenured players are likely to be gone this week.
The Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco era’s are likely to end on Dec. 2 with the Phillies non-tendering both infielders, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required).
Rosenthal says the Phillies infield is “set for an overhaul” with Franco and Hernandez not expected to be tendered contracts by the Monday deadline.
According to Spotrac, Hernandez is in line to earn nearly $12 million in his final year of arbitration. Teams such as the Indians and Cubs could be interested in Hernandez depending on his price tag should he hit the free agent market.
Hernandez and Franco are the longest-tenured players on the Phillies roster, Hernandez joining the team in 2013 in place of the injured Chase Utley, and Franco the following year as the organization’s top prospect.
The duo of Hernandez and Franco have been the targets of fans dismay during the team’s rebuild and recent emergence. A lack of consistency at the plate and “low baseball IQs” have haunted the pair, especially Franco.
Since the Phillies traded Scott Rolen in 2002, Philadelphia has fielded eight men at third base for at least 100 games. Despite his struggles, Franco still leads all of them in most of the offensive categories.
Look for a team such as Detroit to make a play for Franco in a low-stress environment where he can continue to grow.
Additionally, Rosenthal says the pending moves potentially clear the way for Philadelphia to sign shortstop Didi Gregorious. This would prompt a move of Jean Segura either to second base or out of Philadelphia via a trade.
Scott Kingery could also slide into second base, his natural position, or he could play third. A lot of this will depend on what happens in center field and in the third base free agent market, which features Mike Moustakas, Anthony Rendon, and Josh Donaldson.