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Phillies: 4 top shortstop upgrades that need to replace Didi Gregorius in 2022

By Gabrielle Starr

Jul 9, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) makes a defensive play against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) makes a defensive play against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phillies Marcus Semien
Marcus Semien #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Marcus Semien would be a dream free agent signing for the Phillies

The Toronto Blue Jays would be absolute fools to let Marcus Semien go after the season he had, but as of the end of October, he’s set to hit free agency.

Semien made $18 million in 2021 but is projected to command an AAV of at least $19.5 million in his upcoming contract.

For the second full season in a row, Semien led MLB by playing in all 162 games and also led with 724 plate appearances. He hit .265/.334/.538 with a .873 OPS, the second season in his nine-year career in which his OPS was above .800.

The first-time All-Star’s .538 slugging percentage was the best of his career, as were his 351 total bases. He also hit a career-high 45 home runs, far surpassing his previous high of 33.

Semien’s career numbers in three games at Citizens Bank Park are poor, but his .423/.464/.731 line and 1.195 OPS in six games at Citi Field and .357/.357/.429 line and .786 OPS in three games at Atlanta’s Truist Park would certainly help the Phillies take on their division rivals.

In addition to 796 career games shortstop, Semien has played 176 games at second base and 50 at third, so he’d bring some versatility to the Phillies in addition to bat power.

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