Phillies 2021 Spring Training Preview: Position Players
Didi Gregorius
The most recent re-signing Dombrowski made this off-season was Didi Gregorius, who instantly made a strong impact for the Phillies not only on the field but off the field.
Gregorius played in all 60 games in 2020 and had a wRC+ of 117 and an OPS+ of 119 which were big improvements from his 2019 season, his last with the Yankees.
In 2020 Gregorius did a great job of getting on base with a .339 OBP which is the highest of his career. He also posed a strikeout rate in the 97th percentile, which is great.
Didi is a percent fit for the ballpark as well, his spray chart, specifically at only the home runs, we will see that he is a pure pull hitter which is a great fit for the short porch in the Phillies ballpark that is consistently great for left-handed hitters.
The Phillies also did a nice job of maintaining flexibility in the deal as well, only signing him to a two-year contract.
Overall, we should expect another really solid season out of Gregorius; he brings leadership to the clubhouse, someone to help relay Joe Girardi’s message, and finally is a really solid baseball player.
Brad Miller
Next is “Bamboo” Brad Miller, who is reportedly close to a deal. The Phillies really needed to make this signing with their lack of bench infield depth on the roster. Miller came in and changed that as he has been very good the last 2 seasons.
2019 splitting time with 2 teams, Miller put up really promising numbers for the Phillies. A 127 wRC+ and a 126 OPS+ are both very impressive for a backup infielder.
The question was for Miller if he could keep up the pace for 2020. While the shortened season helped, Miller was able to continue his production with the Cardinals, a 121 wRC+, and a 120 OPS+, are both very impressive numbers.
The expectation for Miller is that he should bring quality depth for the infield and will also bring some outfield versatility if McCutchen needs a day off.
Miller might not put up the same numbers as the last 2 years but he will still be quality veteran help off the bench in 2021.