3 Mistakes the Phillies cannot repeat this offseason

Should the Phillies sign a big shortstop talent for 2022?

What are the Phillies going to do about Didi Gregorius? The struggling shortstop is owed $14 million in 2022, the final year of his two-year deal. However, the superstar shortstops on the free-agent market are looking mighty enticing.

Javy Baez, Carlos Correa, and Trevor Story are a few of the abundance of shortstops who will be available this winter. It’s hard to see Corey Seager leaving the Dodgers, but he could hit free agency, too.

With Alec Bohm struggling at third base, the Phillies need a solid shortstop to solidify the left side of the infield. But would they be willing to swallow Gregorius’ $14 million to lock down a better superstar shortstop long-term? Even the most desperate teams would be unlikely to want to trade for him, though the Phillies could package him with one of their few viable prospects and eat part of the money remaining on his contract.

While pitching should absolutely be Dombrowski’s priority, bolstering the defense and lineup are important, too. Harper cannot do all the work, nor should he have to. A healthy Rhys Hoskins and an improved J.T. Realmuto will help, but Gregorius’ bat did the Phillies zero favors, and every free-agent shortstop out there this winter would be an upgrade.