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Phillies: 5 shortstop candidates for 2021

By David Esser

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 06: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians advances to second base on a wild pitch against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning as Didi Gregorius #18 looks on at Progressive Field on August 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 8-1. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 06: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians advances to second base on a wild pitch against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning as Didi Gregorius #18 looks on at Progressive Field on August 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 8-1. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 28: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics plays shortstop during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Athletics defeated the Mariners 1-0. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 28: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics plays shortstop during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Athletics defeated the Mariners 1-0. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Sign a Free Agent

The Phillies haven’t been afraid to spend the big bucks in recent years, and that likely won’t change heading into the 2021 offseason.

If Gregorius indeed walks in free agency, and the Phillies don’t feel comfortable handing over the keys to a 22 year old prospect, it’s likely the front office will simply dip their fingers back into a pretty loaded free agency class. Shortstops Marcus Semien and Andrelton Simmons are both set to hit the open market, while versatile second baseman DJ LeMahieu is expected to join them. While Semien may be looking to cash out for the first time in his career, it’s possible that Simmons and LeMahieu could be looking to take a shorter deal similar to that of Gregorius.

The Phillies have a ton of salary coming off the books after the 2020 season, and handing out another pricey one-year contract should be of no problem to them. Simmons and LeMahieu both provide solid production on offense, defense, and in the clubhouse via some old school veteran leadership.

Even if the Phillies are out of the running when it comes to some of the flashier names in free agency, there’s plenty of other middle-of-the-pack type veterans who would be more than happy to take a one/two year deal to act as a bridge to Bryson Stott.

Guys like Freddy Galvis, Jose Iglesias, Kolton Wong, and Jonathan Schoop all highlight a list of veteran infielders who would definitely pick up the phone if Joe Girardi and the Phillies came calling. Whether it’s a big splash or quiet veteran addition, solving the shortstop question via free agency is a very low-risk plan to pursue.

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