The end of the 2019 season didn’t just knock the Yankees out of the ALCS and back to their respective homes, but it put several players on the free agency market, including Didi Gregorius, Dellin Betances, and Austin Romine.
Last season inevitably played a significant part in the probability of retention for the three players, as Gregorius returned from Tommy John surgery, Betances tore his Achilles late in September, and Romine had influential outings in place of Gary Sanchez throughout the year.
Both Didi and Dellin are unlikely to return after struggling to either remain healthy or consistent. Gregorius finished the season with a .238 batting average but did smash 16 homers over 324 at-bats. The issue revolving around the veteran shortstop is his price-tag. The Yankees rejected his qualifying offer this offseason, making him a free agent.
However, general manager Brian Cashman has been working the phones in regards to the three free agents preparing to take their talents elsewhere.
The value Didi has goes beyond the playing field or standing in the batter’s box. He’s a force in the locker room and is one of the most respected players by the fans.
The Phillies have been connected with all three of the Yankees free agents, as manager Joe Girardi even advocated for Gregorius, who could end up moving up the street to Philadelphia.
Per MLB.com:
“I’ve always been a big fan of Didi and what he’s been able to accomplish,†Girardi said. “You have to remember, I got him when he first came over and he was replacing a legend [in Derek Jeter] and how difficult that was, and to see the growth that he made was really pleasing to me. … He’s a real character guy and he’s a real hard worker that is a really important clubhouse presence. I felt that he was important to the clubhouse in New York in what he brought every day.â€
Gregorius is the best available shortstop on the market, which increases his price-tag exponentially. The Yankees have Gleyber Torres waiting in the wings to supplement his loss, but his defense is still in need of refinement. Giving him the keys to the castle at SS seems like the more logical move, but Gregorius has been valuable over the past few seasons, forcing Cashman to consider a comeback.