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5 Utility players the Phillies should sign after lockout

By Gabrielle Starr

Sep 28, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Brock Holt (16) throws to first base during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Brock Holt (16) throws to first base during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Niko Goodrum
Sep 26, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Niko Goodrum (28) forces Kansas City Royals designated hitter Salvador Perez (13) out at second base and throws to first base during the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phillies could sign free agent Niko Goodrum

Like Brock Holt, Niko Goodrum has done almost everything. He’s played every infield and outfield position; the only things missing from his resumé are pitching and catching.

The 29-year-old free agent made his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2017, but has spent four of his five big-league seasons with the Detroit Tigers.

Goodrum is one of many players who has struggled over the last two years, and the pandemic-shortened 2020 is likely a contributing factor. A months-delayed start to the season threw a lot of players off, but there’s no reason he can’t get back to the success he saw with the Tigers in 2018-19, when he hit a combined .247/.319/.427 with a .745 OPS, 56 doubles, eight triples, and 28 home runs in 243 games.

Another thing Goodrum has going for him is that he can steal bases. Despite his offensive production decreasing over the last two seasons, he’s continued to swipe bags, setting a new career-high 14 in 2021. He has 12+ strikeouts in each of the last three full seasons, and stole seven bases in 43 games in 2020.

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