The Phillies clearly have their goals set for the Winter Meetings
After announcing the signing of pitcher Zack Wheeler the Phillies focus is turning towards offense.
General manager Matt Klentak told reporters at the Winter Meetings that the team will look to build up the infield, saying their “main focus is adding an infielder or infielders.:
Klentak noted that the team expects top prospect Alec Bohm to reach the big leagues this year despite the third baseman not playing above Double-A Reading at this point in his young career
Adding an infielder is #Phillies’ “main focus” at the winter meetings, according to Matt Klentak, who reiterated that club expects Alec Bohm to reach majors as a third baseman at some point in 2020.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) December 9, 2019
At this point the Phillies have questions at nearly every infield position after non-tendering Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco. Scott Kingery could play either second or third, opening the door for Adam Haseley to play center field on opening day.
Philadelphia is reportedly hot on the trail of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who played under manager Joe Girardi in New York. Gregorius has multi-year deals on the table, but might take a one-year deal after coming off Tommy John surgery, according to Jon Heyman.
If the Phillies go with Gregorius, they could either trade Jean Segura, although his contract would make it tough, or start Segura at second. This would allow Kingery to move over to third, giving him the chance to move back to center if Haseley struggles and Bohm is ready.
If the Phillies are looking for a short-term option at third, Todd Frazier is another former Yankee who played under Girardi. Travis Shaw was recently non-tendered by Milwaukee and could also be an option at second or third.
The best third baseman on the market might be the best in all of baseball, that being Anthony Rendon. The Phillies would likely have to give Rendon one of the biggest deals ever given to a third baseman. This would throw Bohm out of the mix at third and possibly threaten Rhys Hoskins’ future at first base if the Phillies prefer Bohm move across the diamond.
Josh Donaldson is also reportedly looking for a multi-year deal after playing one year in Atlanta.
Expect the Phillies to have a busy week during the Baseball Winter Meetings.