Phillies: 38 player milestones to watch for in 2020 season
By Matt Rappa
Didi Gregorius
(147) – 150 doubles
While Didi Gregorius‘ popularity skyrocketed during his five seasons with the New York Yankees from 2015 to 2019, it is easy to forget that he began his career with the Cincinnati Reds in 2012, followed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013-14.
Gregorius logged just 25 combined doubles with those teams before joining the Yankees, where he slugged 120 across 660 games. Now, the Amsterdam, Netherlands, native needs just three more to reach 150 for his career.
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(19) – 20 triples
Excluding his 2012 rookie season, Gregorius has logged at least two triples in all but one season — Joe Girardi‘s last year with the Yankees in 2017 in which the infielder finished in 20th place in the American League Most Valuable Player Award voting.
Expect Gregorius to be able to power for at least one triple while donning red pinstripes in 2020; perhaps, it could come via a ricochet off of the left-center field wall at Citizens Bank Park, or even off the Green Monster in the Phillies’ upcoming two-game road set at Fenway Park opposite the Boston Red Sox.
(397) – 400 double plays turned in the field
Gregorius has already turned some spectacular double plays this season, working with no matter who the Phillies’ second baseman is — such as Scott Kingery, or, more recently, Jean Segura. Gregorous needs just three more to reach 400 for his career.
With Gregorius’ one-year contract set to expire following the 2020 season, the Phillies will have to decide not only whether to bring back J.T. Realmuto, but also the shortstop.