Phillies: Blue Jays, others eyeing trade for Jean Segura

Phillies infielder Jean Segura appears to be on the trade block.

When the Philadelphia Phillies opted not to issue a qualifying offer to shortstop Didi Gregorius earlier this offseason, the belief was that the combination of Alec Bohm, Scott Kingery, Jean Segura, and Rhys Hoskins would be the team’s starting infield come Opening Day 2021.

Now, it appears the group of four is anything but set. Wednesday afternoon, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported that “Segura’s name is coming up in trade talks.” FanSided’s Robert Murray added that the Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams talking to the Phillies about a possible trade for the nine-year veteran.

Segura has now played two seasons in red pinstripes, joining the team following the 2018 season in a five-player deal that sent J.P. Crawford and Carlos Santana to the Seattle Mariners. Across 198 games with the team, the Dominican Republic native has slashed .276/.329/.421 with 42 doubles, six triples, 19 home runs, 85 RBI, 12 stolen bases, 53 walks, and 118 strikeouts spanning 835 plate appearances.

Overall, Segura has earned two All-Star nods (2013, 2018) and is a .285 career hitter. In 2016, he finished in 13th place in the MVP race, slashing .319/.368/.499 with a National League-best 203 hits.

If the Phillies do indeed deal Segura this offseason, it would be the fifth time of his career that he has been traded. Segura has already been involved in notable deals, including one that sent now-six-time All-Star and Gold Glover Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels. Even the former highly ranked Phils infield prospect Crawford, who Segura essentially replaced, earned his first-career Gold Glove Award this past season.

Segura’s value with the Phillies has been his versatility; although he only played shortstop in 2019, he fielded the second base, shortstop, and third base positions in 2020, committing only three combined errors across 178 chances.

Prior to coming to Philadelphia, Segura had hit .300 or better in three consecutive seasons; he has only reached the .280 mark with the Phillies (2019), and saw his batting average dip to .266 in 2020.

You have to wonder if the Phillies are looking to part with the nearly $30 million Segura is owed combined over the next two seasons, not to mention the $17 million team option or the $1 million buyout for 2023. If the Phils can find a trade partner for him, then re-signing Gregorius appears that much more likely.