Phillies: Does Didi Gregorius deserve an extension as well?

Is there room for Gregorius in the 2021 lineup and beyond?

If the Phillies do re-sign Didi Gregorius, it will most likely be a multi-year contract. He signed a one-year “prove it” deal this offseason in hopes of signing a long-term contract based on his performance.

There are only so many spots in the infield, and re-signing Gregorius would give the Phillies a little bit of a predicament – a good one nonetheless.

Alec Bohm has been outstanding. He is going to be the everyday third baseman, no questions asked. Of course, Jean Segura can stick it at second base, and that renders Gregorius at shortstop. But, it does leave question marks for Scott Kingery, and even potentially Bryson Stott, the Phillies top prospect who has yet to reach the majors.

Roman Quinn tends to get injured, and the Phillies do not like to bat Adam Haseley against lefties, which does leave Kingery the option to play CF.

With a bat like Gregorius, there should always be room in the lineup. Only 30 years old, he should be productive for at least two more seasons. A three-year deal come this offseason worth around $40 million is not far-fetched.

Remember, Andrew McCutchen‘s contract ends following the 2021 season, leaving the possibility for a Bohm transition to corner outfield, and opening up another spot in the infield. Segura’s contract expires following the 2022 season, which sounds like a perfect time for Stott to become an everyday middle infielder.

If the Phillies want to win a World Series, Matt Klentak cannot whiff on J.T. Realmuto and should try to do the same for Gregorius.