Last Friday, Didi Gregorius said he would welcome a return to the Phillies in 2021. Gregorius, who is entering free agency after a 1-year deal with the Phillies, was one of the Phillies most productive players this past season.

Gregorius then signed a 1-year “prove-it” deal worth $14 million with the Phillies. Even at 30 years old, Gregorius was a great addition to the Phillies. He batted .284 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs after being reunited with Joe Girardi, his former manager in New York.

Last offseason Didi Gregorius was hoping for a return to the Yankees. That obviously didn’t happen. The Yankees were focused on bringing superstar pitcher Gerrit Cole to the big apple instead. This offseason, the Phillies are looking to re-sign superstar catcher JT Realmuto. Didi Gregorius should be the second priority.

If the Phillies shock everyone and re-sign Didi and JT, they will hope to improve on yet another season where they missed the playoffs and stumbled in September. We all know John Middleton still hasn’t committed to much of anything in terms of spending money, blaming the lack of fans and COVID-19 on his hesitation to re-sign anyone.

The Phillies should re-sign Didi Gregorius but it will most likely come down to how much Didi is asking for and for how long. Another one or two year deal would be ideal. Former first round pick Bryson Stott, a natural shortstop and someone Bryce Harper himself speaks highly of, should be major league ready by 2022.

If the Phillies decide to extend Didi’s qualifying offer, that price tag would come in around $19 million. What’s more likely, is that the Phillies will not extend the qualifying offer to Gregorius and still hope to re-sign him during free agency.

As of now, it looks like the Los Angeles Angels have already expressed interest in signing Gregorius, so allowing him to enter free agency could be a risky move.

Mandatory Credit: The New York Post