Phillies: 10 players to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

3. Andrew McCutchen

Twelve-year veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen‘s presence and Uncle Larry persona alone have been shining spots on an otherwise bleak Phillies team the past two seasons under Gabe Kapler and Joe Girardi.

Plus, the five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, 2012 Gold Glover and 2013 MVP has been a serviceable corner outfield bat for the Phillies. Through 116 games and 503 plate appearances in red pinstripes across the 2019-20 seasons, McCutchen has slashed .255/.352/.445 with 21 doubles, one triple, 20 home runs, 63 RBI, and 65 walks, while striking out 103 times.

The 34-year-old will be entering a contract year in 2021, as he is set to earn $20 million. The Phillies can buy McCutchen out after the season for $3 million, or enable a $15 million team option.

2. J.T. Realmuto & 1. Didi Gregorius

Catcher J.T. Realmuto and shortstop Didi Gregorius may never play for the Phillies again, as they are now free-agents. But, each of the All-Star-caliber players’ 1,205 combined plate appearances while donning red pinstripes provided fans excitement and optimism that a good play will result.

Realmuto played in 192 games with the Phillies ever since was acquired from the Miami Marlins in the Sixto Sanchez-headlined deal. He slashed .273/.333/.492 with 42 doubles, 36 home runs, and 115 RBI, as well as earned a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award following the 2019 season.

Gregorius, meanwhile, slashed .284/.339/.488 and played all 60 games with the Phillies in 2020, all the while producing 10 doubles, 10 home runs, and 40 RBI. The Netherlands native was on a one-year, prove-it deal following Tommy John surgery and five seasons with the New York Yankees.

These 10 Phillies players gave us a lot to be thankful for in the 2020 season; at least eight will return next season. If this past year taught us anything, we should be grateful and appreciative toward whoever brings us happiness and joy in life. You just never know what tomorrow will bring.