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

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 Corey Seager
Corey Seager (5) Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Corey Seager would be a perfect fit for the Phillies

Corey Seager is the kind of big fish Dave Dombrowski loves to reel in.

Seager hit .306/.394/.521 with a .915 OPS over 95 games this season. He’s seven years into his MLB career and has a Rookie of the Year award, two All-Star games, a pair of Silver Slugger awards, NLCS MVP, World Series MVP, and World Series ring under his belt.

However, Seager also has a concerning injury history that includes back and hamstring problems. He’s had Tommy John surgery and arthroscopic surgery for his hip, and this season fractured his hand when he was hit by a pitch facing the Marlins. Despite injuries preventing him from reaching his full potential, he’s considered one of the best in the game when he’s healthy.

The Dodgers star will be one of the most sought-after of this winter’s free-agent class, but he has two Phillies connections that could give Dombrowski the edge.

For one thing, Seager is a client of powerhouse agent Scott Boras, who also represents Bryce Harper.

But more importantly, early in his career, Seager was mentored by Chase Utley, whom the Phillies traded to the Dodgers during the 2015 season; Seager made his debut in September 2015. Utley spent the first 13 years of his career in red pinstripes, and the final four in Dodger blue.

Seager even chose Utley’s Players’ Weekend nickname for his jersey in 2017.

If the Phillies approach Seager, he will likely go to Utley for counsel. Utley enjoyed immense success in Philly, playing in six All-Star games (including five in a row), winning four consecutive Silver Slugger awards, and a World Series ring.

Could Seager pull a reverse-Utley and go from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?

Next. Could the Phillies sign this slugger with franchise connections?. dark