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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 Trevor Story
Trevor Story (27) Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phillies could target Trevor Story in free agency

It was a shock when the 2021 trade deadline came and went and Trevor Story was still a Colorado Rocky.

But it’s unlikely to be the case on Opening Day 2022, as the star shortstop is about to be a free agent and the Rockies are rebuilding. They will probably extend a qualifying offer to Story, and he could take it after his underwhelming season.

Story hit 24 home runs, drove in 75, and stole 20 bases in 2021, but a recurring injury and general underperforming will likely lower his market value. He hit .251/.329/.471 with a  .801 OPS over 142 games, the fewest games he’s played in a full season since his rookie year in 2016. His 248 total bases barely doubled his total from 2020, when he played in 59 games.

There is a possibility that Story takes the Rockies’ qualifying offer, tries to rebound in 2022, and then wades into the waters of free agency after his fellow shortstops sign this winter. However, MLB.com puts the Phillies right up there with the Rockies as two of Story’s likeliest suitors.

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