Phillies: This is the perfect lineup for the 2021 season

7. Jean Segura, 2B (R)

At one point this offseason, it was thought that Jean Segura would be dealt, perhaps to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Phillies may have worried whether they would be able to retain Didi Gregorius, which is why nothing further developed other than a single rumor.

Fast-forward to just days before spring training gets underway, and Segura now has advanced himself into having an “upper hand” for the starting second base job, according to manager Joe Girardi.

Although Segura’s batting average dipped from .280 to .266 between the 2019 and 2020 seasons, the two-time All-Star’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage did see an increase. If Segura can return to his .300-hitting days from 2016-18, he should be able to do damage down in the lower-third of the lineup.

8. Scott Kingery, CF (R)

Scott Kingery is the odd man out in the starting lineup as far as being a regular. The Didi Gregorius re-signing guaranteed Jean Segura the second base role, while once again putting Kingery in a utility-type role.

More often than not, Kingery will likely be penciled into the lineup at center field — instead of Adam Haseley or Roman Quinn. Kingery is in need of an improved 2021 season, considering he slashed just .159/.228/.283 in 2020 with 10 singles, five doubles, and three home runs across 124 plate appearances.

Perhaps Kingery getting the COVID-19 virus in summer camp set him back to where he could never make up lost time in preparing for everyday action. A full offseason under his plate to return to full health may be all the Arizona native needed.