Free agent Didi Gregorius has a big fan in Philadelphia.
While attending the Phillies Charities party at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night, newly hired manager Joe Girardi raved about Gregorius following the organization’s decision to move on from infielders Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez.
Girardi, who managed Gregorius with the Yankees from 2015-2017, gushed over his former shortstop, who could fill a gaping hole for Philadelphia.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Didi and what he’s been able to accomplish,” Girardi said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “You have to remember, I got him when he first came over and he was replacing a legend [Derek Jeter] and how difficult that was, and to see the growth that he made was really pleasing to me.”
If Gregorius signs with the Phillies, Jean Segura would likely move to second or third and Scott Kingery would fill the remaining position. Gregorius had similarly kind words for Girardi last month after he landed the Phillies job.
“I want to say Congratulations to one of my old managers Joe Girardi and to one of my ex teammate/mentor @carlosbeltran15 for getting Managing jobs !!!… Well deserved!!” Gregorius tweeted.
Phillies general manager Matt Klentak was vague while discussing his plans for the infield, saying “there are a lot of different directions we can go.”
“Obviously, having non-tendered Cesar and Maikel as we did, that really does open up a spot on the dirt for a new acquisition,” Klentak said. “We’ve been exploring that, and we will continue to explore that. What direction we go remains to be seen, in terms of the player we add in the infield or on the mound. We just have to continue to play out all of those markets and make the best decisions we can.”
The Yankees chose not to make Gregorius a qualifying offer, meaning the team that signs him won’t owe any draft pick compensation. Until this season, Gregorius seemed like he would be a staple in the Yankees’ infield for seasons to come. However, he required Tommy John surgery last offseason and lacked the consistency from past seasons when he returned in June.
Gregorius hit .238 with 16 home runs in 82 games this year. Gregorius averaged 24 home runs and 81 RBIs per season from 2016-18.
“He’s a real character guy and he’s a real hard worker that is a really important clubhouse presence,” Girardi said. “I felt that he was important to the clubhouse in New York in what he brought every day.”