Infield picture shifting with a hot shortstop market
PHILADELPHIA » While the Phillies were saying Wednesday that they had a week before finding out the ramifications of Bryce Harper’s pending elbow surgery, there was one point in club president Dave Dombrowski’s address where he stressed that they, “knew this was a possibility … we’ve known that for months.”
As a result, the Phillies brass also knew some time ago that they should prepare for a possible long-term Harper absence.
So Jean Segura, for one, would be allowed to drift off to free agency, and while Dombrowski didn’t discount the possibility of resigning him, it’s much more likely he’ll wind up in a starting second baseman role elsewhere.
Second base going forward will be the home of rising sophomore Bryson Stott, who despite periodic plate struggles impressed as a rookie at shortstop. But second base is a more natural role for Stott. The Phillies had already revealed that, via reports of them pursuing prominent available shortstops.
That includes Xander Bogaerts, who recently opted out of his Red Sox contract. The Phillies are also thought to be in on Trea Turner, who at 29 might fit their situation better. Not only are the Phillies looking for a shortstop who can hit for average and power, they need someone with greater defensive range since rule changes next year will forbid infield shifts.
If the Phillies do indeed pick up a freeagent shortstop — Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson are other possibilities — they could make Rhys Hoskins the DH until Harper is back, with the assumption that Harper will be ready to hit before he can play the outfield.
If Harper looks to be a long-term absence, that’s the natural move, with shifting Alec Bohm to first base. That would enable utility man Edmundo Sosa to temporarily man third, thereby upgrading the defense until the lineup could be readjusted around Harper.
Meanwhile, the DH could also be filled by either Nick Castellanos or Kyle Schwarber after Harper is able to return to the outfield. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Phillies land another depth outfielder to help handle the load, since their bench needs a little offensive oomph. Of course, that’s not all.
“We lost some people to (pursuing) free agency, and that left us with starting pitching needs,” Dombrowski said. “We have the middle infield situation and relief pitching (needs) … I think you fit all those things in together and see what you think makes your best club.”
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Both Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson said work will be done in the offseason to try to get Castellanos right again. A major offseason pickup last year, he had a relatively lousy 2022 (.263, 13 homers, 62 RBIs) as compared to the year before in Cincinnati (.309, 34 homers, 100 RBIs).
“He’s normally an offensive force,” Dombrowski said. “He uses the whole field, he drives the ball. One of his biggest problems is he’s always been in the situation of where he’s not a real disciplined strike zone hitter, and this year he was worse in that regard.”
Dombrowski also thinks Castellanos had trouble adjusting to a new team, and having a new baby in May might have thrown him off, too. He subsequently suffered an oblique injury in the late summer just when his numbers began to rise.
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With Zach Eflin, Kyle Gibson and Noah Syndergaard all likely departing via free agency, Dombrowski said he will be after a veteran starting pitcher to add depth in the rotation during the offseason. He also said there will be room for one of the Phils’ top pitching prospects, most likely Andrew Painter, to make a case for a role in the rotation.