The New York Yankees have a big decision to make at short-stop this off-season, and they’ve been connected to a variety of different options involving trades and free agency acquisitions. Ranging from Carlos Correa to Matt Chapman, the Yankees are exploring every possible option to find a stopgap or long-term solution at a position of desperate need.
However, the Bombers could look to a familiar face as an answer. The Philadelphia Phillies signed Didi Gregorius in 2021 to a two-year, $28 million deal. The former Yankees fan favorite had arguably the worst season of his career in 2021, recording a. 209 average with 13 homers and 54 RBIs.
Gregorius provided fantastic defensive efficiency with solid contact hitting and power during his time with the Yankees. He hit 27 long-balls with the Yankees back in 2018, thanks to a short right porch in the Bronx.
Gregorius still has one year left on his deal at $14. 5 million in base salary. The Phillies may be looking to part ways with Didi, given he just turned 32 years old and he’s coming off a poor season. They may trade him away for pennies just to unload his contract.
The Yankees could easily utilize him for one year and extend him for another season if they need more time developing Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza. However, giving Peraza an opportunity in 2022 could be the right move, as other teams have injected young talent into tough spots before and reaped the rewards.
Gregorius’s experience with the Yankees and providing solid defensive play makes him an intriguing target to smooth over the shortstop position moving forward. Fans would undoubtedly love to have him back, and he is a reliable option.
Overspending on Correa, Trevor Story, or giving up premium prospects in a prospective deal with the Oakland Athletics is not the route general manager Brian Cashman wants to go.