The Phillies definitely need to sign JT Realmuto. The All-Star catcher is one of the most significant moves the team has to make this offseason. However, the Phillies also have plenty of other gaps to fill.
Amidst all of the Realmuto talk, Didi Gregorius resigning tends to get overlooked by some fans. The team needs to fill that shortstop or second baseman role, as Scott Kingery still has plenty of question marks around him. The Phillies, though, may have quietly been filling this gap in their lineup all along.
According to Howard Eskin, the Phillies have a serious interest in shortstop, Andrelton Simmons. Nothing has been set in stone or finalized yet, but this could be a big move on the part of Dave Dombroski.
Who is Andrelton Simmons?
Andrelton Simmons is one of the best defensive infielders in the league. He’s won the gold glove award four times and even earned platinum glove honors in 2013. Simmons’ glove would bring just one huge need to the Phillies’ infield.
After being drafted by the Braves in 2010, he began cracking their big league roster in 2012. After serving as their starting infielder for three seasons, he would then be traded to the Los Angeles Angels. Here, he played in 5 seasons, playing 568 games with an OPS of .722.
As for his bat, he has contributed pretty well at the plate. Simmons would bring a .269 career average. Most recently in 2020, he had a career-high .297 average but played in a career-low 30 games.
Phillies’ Fit
As much as fans love Didi Gregorius, he may simply want too much on his contract. If you ask me, he earned it after his stellar year under Joe Girardi and with the Phillies, but that’s a different conversation.
If the Phillies are unable to get Didi to stay, Simmons is a great replacement option. Philadelphia would be getting a defensive specialist, and a somewhat above-average bat in their lineup routinely. Simmons, who is likely only asking for a one year contract, would be perfect for the Phillies in that aspect as well. He would just be a simple placeholder until Bryson Stott is ready for the big leagues.
No matter what, though, this is a great move by the Phillies if they can pull it off. As of now, it remains all rumors by Howard Eskin of all people, but shouldn’t be a move shot down by Phillies’ fans at all.
Photo Credit: Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire
