Braves' signing of Will Smith has ripple effect on NL East and free agency

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title => "Braves' signing of Will Smith has ripple effect on NL East and free agency"
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article_body => "<p>Two weeks into free agency, the Braves have been more active than any team. Their biggest move was Thursday's signing of left-hander Will Smith, the top reliever on the market.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to that, Atlanta brought back three of its own would-be-free-agents in right fielder Nick Markakis, catcher Tyler Flowers and reliever Darren O'Day.<\/p>\n<p>The Smith signing is definitely the highest impact move of the bunch and makes the Braves a lot better. His deal is for a <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Ken_Rosenthal\/status\/1195094970840956928\" target=\"_blank\">reported $40 million<\/a> over three years. He is coming off his first All-Star appearance and back-to-back stellar years. He was 6-0 with 34 saves and a 2.76 ERA for the Giants in 2019, he struck out 96 in 65\u2153 innings and he held lefties to a .157\/.167\/.229 batting line. Read that again ... 157\/.167\/.229!<\/p>\n<p>Bryce Harper will face Smith many times over the next three years. The teams meet 19 times per season and you'd figure Smith will face Harper in a high-leverage situation whenever the game is late and close. Harper is 0 for 8 with five strikeouts lifetime against Smith. Smith will also factor into plenty of matchups with Juan Soto.<\/p>\n<p>The Braves tried various closing formulas in 2018. They went through Arodys Vizcaino, A.J. Minter, Luke Jackson, Shane Greene and Melancon. For most of the season, the ninth-inning was a weakness, yet the Braves still won 97 games. <\/p>\n<p>Melancon will return in 2020 and could still close, but Smith is another very good option if he falters. It would probably make more sense for the Braves to try to use Melancon as the ninth-inning guy to free up Smith for high-leverage spots against lefties in the eighth or even seventh inning.<\/p>\n<p>Why did Smith sign so quickly? For a couple reasons. First, $40 million over three years is a sweet contract for a reliever. He may not have beaten this deal even by waiting. But his representatives also effectively leveraged Thursday's qualifying offer deadline against teams interested in Smith. There was at least a threat that Smith could accept the Giants' one-year, $17.8 million qualifying offer if a better alternative was not presented by Nov. 14. That created more urgency on the Braves' part.<\/p>\n<p>Removing Smith's name from the free-agent relief market further depletes an already light market. The top two potential free-agent relievers were set to be Smith and Aroldis Chapman, but Smith is a Brave in mid-November and Chapman returned to the Yankees on a new deal.<\/p>\n<p>With Smith off the board, the top free-agent reliever might be longtime lefty starter Drew Pomeranz. In 25 appearances with the Brewers after a midseason trade, Pomeranz had a 2.39 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 45 strikeouts in 26\u2153 innings. He's generated a ton of buzz this winter and should also find a lucrative multi-year contract.<\/p>\n<p>Chris Martin, Sergio Romo, Will Harris, Daniel Hudson and Dellin Betances are the best free-agent bullpen arms left. There are also trade candidates like Ken Giles, Raisel Iglesias and maybe Ian Kennedy if the Royals eat most of his remaining $22.5 million.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/1a830ec9-e1e9-4f19-a4de-97fa531e83fc\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<p><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/odubel-herrera-what-happens-now\">What about Odubel Herrera, Phillies\u2019 forgotten man?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-scott-boras-mike-moustakas-phillies-mlb-winter-meetings-stephen-strasburg-gerrit-cole\">Phillies touch base with Boras on Moose and free-agent pitchers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-move-closer-hiring-hitting-coach-could-they-lose-staff-gabe-kapler-and-giants\">Phils close to hiring hitting coach<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/giants-hire-former-phillies-manager-gabe-kapler\">Lessons Kapler should take to San Francisco<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"
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tags => [{"tid":"2516","name":"atlanta braves","url":"tags\/atlanta-braves"},{"tid":"3871","name":"Will Smith","url":"tags\/will-smith"},{"tid":"2506","name":"corey seidman","url":"tags\/corey-seidman"},{"tid":"361","name":"Philadelphia Phillies","url":"tags\/philadelphia-phillies"}]
field_bean_single_col => {"bean":{"2019-phillies-free-agent-targets":{"#view_mode":"default","field_content_strategy":{"#theme":"field","#weight":8,"#title":"Content Strategy","#access":true,"#label_display":"above","#view_mode":"default","#language":"und","#field_name":"field_content_strategy","#field_type":"list_text","#field_translatable":"0","#entity_type":"bean","#bundle":"media_card","#object":{"label":"2019 Phillies free-agent targets","description":null,"title":"Phillies free-agent targets","type":"media_card","data":{"view_mode":"1col_five_pack_images"},"delta":"2019-phillies-free-agent-targets","view_mode":"1col_five_pack_images","bid":"3546","vid":"19051","created":"1574093922","changed":"1575570372","log":"","uid":"2187531","default_revision":"1","revisions":[],"field_ad_hoc_group":[],"field_branded_header":[],"field_content_strategy":{"und":[{"value":"MANUAL_CONTENT_STRATEGY"}]},"field_content_type":{"und":[{"value":"article"},{"value":"headline"},{"value":"media_gallery"},{"value":"video_on_demand"}]},"field_dl_tabloid_headline":{"und":[{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""}]},"field_event":[],"field_genre_display":[],"field_league":[],"field_link":[],"field_links":[],"field_media_card_items":{"und":[{"target_id":"765801","entity":{"vid":"814376","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Stephen Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports Philadelphia, your source for all Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers news, updates and more!","default":"NBC Sports Philadelphia, your source for all Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers news, updates and 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third 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Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-21 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978381","uid":"146","filename":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/20\/target_anthony_rendon.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"934669","status":"1","timestamp":"1574263835","origname":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"366"},{"tid":"2516"},{"tid":"371"},{"tid":"4866"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"764481"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Josh Donaldson Phillies, Phillies rumors, Phillies free-agent targets, Phillies trade rumors, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll, Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-21 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978381","uid":"146","filename":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/20\/target_anthony_rendon.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"934669","status":"1","timestamp":"1574263835","origname":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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the perfect fit for Phillies but also 3 others ready to spend","format":null,"safe_value":"Rendon the perfect fit for Phillies but also 3 others ready to spend"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"4866"},{"tid":"3001"},{"tid":"17971"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"751176"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Anthony Rendon, Rendon Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jim Salisbury, Phillies rumors, Phillies offseason, Mike Moustakas, Josh 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Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third 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Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. 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Card Items","#access":true,"#label_display":"above","#view_mode":"default","#language":"und","#field_name":"field_media_card_items","#field_type":"entityreference","#field_translatable":"0","#entity_type":"bean","#bundle":"media_card","#object":{"label":"2019 Phillies free-agent targets","description":null,"title":"Phillies free-agent targets","type":"media_card","data":{"view_mode":"1col_five_pack_images"},"delta":"2019-phillies-free-agent-targets","view_mode":"1col_five_pack_images","bid":"3546","vid":"19051","created":"1574093922","changed":"1575570372","log":"","uid":"2187531","default_revision":"1","revisions":[],"field_ad_hoc_group":[],"field_branded_header":[],"field_content_strategy":{"und":[{"value":"MANUAL_CONTENT_STRATEGY"}]},"field_content_type":{"und":[{"value":"article"},{"value":"headline"},{"value":"media_gallery"},{"value":"video_on_demand"}]},"field_dl_tabloid_headline":{"und":[{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""}]},"field_event":[],"field_genre_display":[],"field_league":[],"field_link":[],"field_links":[],"field_media_card_items":{"und":[{"target_id":"765801","entity":{"vid":"814376","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Stephen Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports Philadelphia, your source for all Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers news, updates and more!","default":"NBC Sports Philadelphia, your source for all Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers news, updates and 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third 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Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-21 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978381","uid":"146","filename":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/20\/target_anthony_rendon.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"934669","status":"1","timestamp":"1574263835","origname":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"366"},{"tid":"2516"},{"tid":"371"},{"tid":"4866"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"764481"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Josh Donaldson Phillies, Phillies rumors, Phillies free-agent targets, Phillies trade rumors, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll, Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-21 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978381","uid":"146","filename":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/20\/target_anthony_rendon.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"934669","status":"1","timestamp":"1574263835","origname":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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the perfect fit for Phillies but also 3 others ready to spend","format":null,"safe_value":"Rendon the perfect fit for Phillies but also 3 others ready to spend"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"4866"},{"tid":"3001"},{"tid":"17971"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"751176"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Anthony Rendon, Rendon Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jim Salisbury, Phillies rumors, Phillies offseason, Mike Moustakas, Josh Donaldson"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true}],"#formatter":"entityreference_label","0":{"#theme":"entityreference_label","#label":"Phillies free-agent target: Stephen Strasburg","#item":{"target_id":"765801","entity":{"vid":"814376","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Stephen Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},"#uri":null,"#settings":{"display":{"bypass_access":false,"colorbox_node_classes":"","colorbox_node_height":600,"colorbox_node_link":false,"colorbox_node_width":600,"link":false},"field":{"handler":"base","handler_settings":{"behaviors":{"entityqueue":{"status":0},"views-select-list":{"status":0}},"sort":{"direction":"ASC","property":"title","type":"property"},"target_bundles":{"article":"article","headline":"headline","media_gallery":"media_gallery","video_on_demand":"video_on_demand"}},"target_type":"node"}}},"1":{"#theme":"entityreference_label","#label":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","#item":{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},"#uri":null,"#settings":{"display":{"bypass_access":false,"colorbox_node_classes":"","colorbox_node_height":600,"colorbox_node_link":false,"colorbox_node_width":600,"link":false},"field":{"handler":"base","handler_settings":{"behaviors":{"entityqueue":{"status":0},"views-select-list":{"status":0}},"sort":{"direction":"ASC","property":"title","type":"property"},"target_bundles":{"article":"article","headline":"headline","media_gallery":"media_gallery","video_on_demand":"video_on_demand"}},"target_type":"node"}}},"2":{"#theme":"entityreference_label","#label":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","#item":{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},"#uri":null,"#settings":{"display":{"bypass_access":false,"colorbox_node_classes":"","colorbox_node_height":600,"colorbox_node_link":false,"colorbox_node_width":600,"link":false},"field":{"handler":"base","handler_settings":{"behaviors":{"entityqueue":{"status":0},"views-select-list":{"status":0}},"sort":{"direction":"ASC","property":"title","type":"property"},"target_bundles":{"article":"article","headline":"headline","media_gallery":"media_gallery","video_on_demand":"video_on_demand"}},"target_type":"node"}}},"3":{"#theme":"entityreference_label","#label":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","#item":{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third 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Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},"#uri":null,"#settings":{"display":{"bypass_access":false,"colorbox_node_classes":"","colorbox_node_height":600,"colorbox_node_link":false,"colorbox_node_width":600,"link":false},"field":{"handler":"base","handler_settings":{"behaviors":{"entityqueue":{"status":0},"views-select-list":{"status":0}},"sort":{"direction":"ASC","property":"title","type":"property"},"target_bundles":{"article":"article","headline":"headline","media_gallery":"media_gallery","video_on_demand":"video_on_demand"}},"target_type":"node"}}},"4":{"#theme":"entityreference_label","#label":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","#item":{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-21 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978381","uid":"146","filename":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/20\/target_anthony_rendon.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"934669","status":"1","timestamp":"1574263835","origname":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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free-agent targets","type":"media_card","data":{"view_mode":"1col_five_pack_images"},"delta":"2019-phillies-free-agent-targets","view_mode":"1col_five_pack_images","bid":"3546","vid":"19051","created":"1574093922","changed":"1575570372","log":"","uid":"2187531","default_revision":"1","revisions":[],"field_ad_hoc_group":[],"field_branded_header":[],"field_content_strategy":{"und":[{"value":"MANUAL_CONTENT_STRATEGY"}]},"field_content_type":{"und":[{"value":"article"},{"value":"headline"},{"value":"media_gallery"},{"value":"video_on_demand"}]},"field_dl_tabloid_headline":{"und":[{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""},{"value":""}]},"field_event":[],"field_genre_display":[],"field_league":[],"field_link":[],"field_links":[],"field_media_card_items":{"und":[{"target_id":"765801","entity":{"vid":"814376","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Stephen Strasburg","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765801","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574701070","changed":"1574795039","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574782800","revision_timestamp":"1574795039","revision_uid":"166","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p><p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p><p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p><p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p><p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-8f6be388-7fff-251b-8340-25adda62c33a\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/b><\/em><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-4e066e90-7fff-6683-1ca9-efada7239fb2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on someone who has tormented the Phillies for years, power-armed right-hander Stephen Strasburg.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg became a Washington Nationals building block when that team selected him first overall in the 2009 draft. A year later, the Nats picked Bryce Harper No. 1 overall.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s talent has never been in dispute. He complements a power fastball with a killer arsenal of off-speed pitches. His issue has always been staying healthy.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, however, health was not an issue for Strasburg. He stayed on the field, made 33 starts and led the National League in innings (209) and wins (18). He followed that up with 36\u2153 innings, 47 strikeouts (to four walks) and a 1.98 ERA in a postseason run that culminated with the Nationals\u2019 winning the World Series. Strasburg was MVP.<\/p>\n<p>Strasburg\u2019s good health and strong season came at an opportune time as the 31-year-old had the right to opt out of the final four years of his seven-year contract and become a free agent. He walked away from $100 million but will surely cash a larger paycheck as he probably ranks second behind Gerrit Cole among pitchers on this free-agent market.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies say it's time to win and they're in need of a major upgrade in starting pitching. They need proven help at the back end of the rotation and a major difference maker at the top end. Strasburg would be an excellent addition to the top of the rotation, where he could pair with (and take some pressure off) Aaron Nola. The Phillies have already had contact with Strasburg\u2019s agent, Scott Boras, this offseason. Boras represents several elite free agents, including Cole, and you can be sure the Phils have discussed all of them with him.<\/p>\n<p>And another thing: If you can\u2019t beat him, sign him. Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA and a 0.949 WHIP in 27 career starts against the Phillies. He is also 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 starts at Citizens Bank Park.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Well, there\u2019s the health history. Strasburg had Tommy John surgery early in his career and he\u2019s spent time on the injured list in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 with neck, elbow, back, shoulder and oblique issues. That could give the Phillies some pause \u2014 they\u2019ve been burned by injuries to free-agent pitchers in the past \u2014 but probably not enough to dissuade them from making a run at Strasburg. The Phils are pretty desperate for pitching and there\u2019s immense pressure on the club to win now. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the matter of the incumbent Washington Nationals, who would like to keep Strasburg. They were already on the hook for four more years and $100 million. They could probably sweeten that by, say, $75 million, and retain the World Series MVP. In fact, with third baseman Anthony Rendon, yet another Boras guy, possibly headed out of the town, the Nats could be under some pressure to do that as they preserve what was the key to their World Series charge \u2014 their starting pitching staff.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Strasburg was to average $25 million over the next four seasons. He\u2019s coming off a season of health, dominance and a World Series MVP. With so many teams needing elite pitching, a six-year deal worth $180 million could be the ticket.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a top of the rotation guy when he\u2019s on the field like he was in 2014 and 2019. In other years, he\u2019s missed a lot of starts with injuries and that has to be a concern as he gets older. But he\u2019s always won games and that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Stephen Strasburg is 14-2 with a 2.58 ERA in his career against the Phillies, who desperately need starting pitching. If you can't beat him, sign him? By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":[],"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-26 15:40:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978431","uid":"146","filename":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/25\/target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"982355","status":"1","timestamp":"1574701070","origname":"target_stephen_strasburg.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":1080,"width":1920},"height":"1080","width":"1920","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?","format":null,"safe_value":"Could Phillies nab Strasburg and turn a Phillies killer into a Phillie?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2691"},{"tid":"6896"},{"tid":"11436"},{"tid":"3711"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"396"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"766126"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg Phillies, Scott Boras, Boras Phillies, Jim Salisbury, Strasburg contract, Strasburg opt out, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"765771","entity":{"vid":"814346","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Didi Gregorius","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"765771","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574696864","changed":"1574723892","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574697600","revision_timestamp":"1574723892","revision_uid":"1791421","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p><p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p><p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p><p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p><p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p><p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p><p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p><p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p><p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p><p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-925f8ccc-7fff-1390-59eb-db2f12b64020\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<\/p>\n<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Our Phillies free-agent targets series continues today with Didi Gregorius, who has been connected to the Phils in recent days.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Gregorius is a solid defensive shortstop who can hit for power and for average. From 2016-18 with the Yankees, he averaged 24 homers per season and hit .277 with an OPS eight percent above the league average. <\/p>\n<p>He did benefit from the short porch at Yankee Stadium, but that short porch can work both ways, also playing tricks on homer-happy hitters. It stands to reason that in another park, Gregorius' batting average and doubles would increase while the homer total would decrease slightly.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius will play the 2020 season at age 30. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018 and missed half the season in 2019. He hit just .207 with a .250 on-base percentage after Aug. 1, but he did go 4 for 10 with a homer and six RBI in the ALDS win over the Twins.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies need a better defensive shortstop with more range. Jean Segura committed 20 errors last season, but beyond that, his waistline grew throughout the summer and it wasn't a defensive season that could have inspired much confidence from the Phillies as he ages.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius is the best shortstop on the market. He could push Segura over to second base, thereby creating an everyday spot for Scott Kingery at either third base or center field. For all the hand-wringing the last two years at the Phillies' use of Kingery all over the diamond, Kingery's flexibility has created flexibility for the Phillies, who are not boxed in to upgrading a specific position.<\/p>\n<p>Signing Gregorius could also make Segura a trade candidate, but how much value would the Phillies get for him? Segura has approximately $43 million remaining over the final three years of his contract and is coming off his worst season in five years. In this scenario, it probably would make more sense for the Phillies to hold on to Segura in hopes that he rebounds to hit over .300 as he did each season from 2016-18.<\/p>\n<p>Gregorius' left-handed bat would help balance out a Phillies lineup that has Bryce Harper but no other lefty power threat currently projected to start.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Do the Phillies really need to sign a shortstop? Even if they're skeptical Segura can handle the position moving forward, they could simply move Kingery to shortstop and find another starter to play third base or center field. <\/p>\n<p>Josh Donaldson, for example, is a better hitter than Gregorius. Offensively, the Phillies would probably be better off (at least in 2020) with Donaldson at third and Kingery at short than with Gregorius at short and Kingery at third.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Moustakas? The Moustakas vs. Didi comparison is pretty close, with Moustakas providing more power and less of an injury history and Didi holding the advantage in speed and athleticism. <\/p>\n<p>There aren't many worthwhile free-agent options in center field, the Phillies' other position of need. Thus, you'd figure the position player upgrade will come at either third base or shortstop.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\"He's a leader on and off the field and a quality player offensively and defensively. He looked more and more healthy as the season went on and his arm was almost back to full strength.\"<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Hitting the road this week, or wasting away on the couch in a food coma? The perfect time to binge your favorite NBC Sports Philadelphia podcast! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/binge\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for more<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3 dir=\"ltr\"><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/joe-dillon-hired-phillies-nationals-world-series\">Phillies hire hitting coach away from the champs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/anthony-rendon-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-trade-intriguing-lefty-pitcher-add-four-arms-40-man-roster\">Phillies add 4 arms to roster<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>The Phillies have been connected to Didi Gregorius, who would fit them in several important ways. But their position player upgrade doesn't have to be a shortstop. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-25 16:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978401","uid":"146","filename":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/10\/target_didi_gregorius.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"906644","status":"1","timestamp":"1576018414","origname":"target_didi_gregorius.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?","format":null,"safe_value":"Didi Gregorius would fit Phillies, but could they do better?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"2986"},{"tid":"18161"},{"tid":"2506"},{"tid":"361"},{"tid":"32206"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"765916"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, Corey Seidman, Jean Segura, Didi Gregorius, Phillies rumors, Phillies trade rumors, New York Yankees, Scott Kingery, Phillies shortstop, Phillies second base, Cesar Hernandez, Phillies free-agent targets"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"767186","entity":{"vid":"815771","uid":"31941","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Corey Dickerson ","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"767186","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1575249502","changed":"1575430795","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1575295200","revision_timestamp":"1575430795","revision_uid":"156","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p><p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p><p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p><p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><h3 dir=\"ltr\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\">More on the Phillies<\/b><\/h3><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bd389bd7-7fff-e2cd-d671-5cd360544b00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on outfielder Corey Dickerson, who made a positive impact in a brief stay with the Phillies in 2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies were criticized for not doing enough to upgrade their pitching at last summer\u2019s trade deadline, but they did make a difference-making lineup acquisition when they acquired Dickerson in a cash deal from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dickerson played in 34 games for the Phillies and belted eight homers and drove in 34 runs. He suffered a broken foot in September and the Phillies really missed his bat down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p>The lefty-swinging Dickerson turns 31 in May. He is one of those proverbial \u201cprofessional hitters.\u201d  He sports a career batting average of .286 and an OPS of .832. He\u2019s made an All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and hit .300 three times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson is a high-character, team-first guy who was well liked and much respected in the Phillies\u2019 clubhouse last season. He can hit \u2014 he crushes right-handed pitching \u2014 and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson proved valuable in left field for the Phillies in the second half of 2019. However, he lacks positional versatility and is limited to just the corner outfield spots. With left fielder Andrew McCutchen set to return from knee surgery and Bryce Harper locked in in right field, there really isn\u2019t a spot for Dickerson to get regular reps. It is not clear what the Phillies will do in center field in 2020. They have a number of options. If one of them includes giving McCutchen some time there they could more seriously consider a reunion with Dickerson, but that seems to be a decision that will come down the road, after other options have been exhausted, and Dickerson could be elsewhere by then.<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bruce's return further complicates a potential reunion with Dickerson. The Phillies aren\u2019t paying Bruce much \u2014 they took on just $2.75 million of his remaining $21 million last season \u2014 and he\u2019s also a lefty bat who plays only the corners.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dickerson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Pirates last year. The first-time free agent could be looking at a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $15 million.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cAfter Tampa Bay DFA\u2019d him (in February 2018), he went to Pittsburgh and made some good adjustments, especially on getting to high fastballs, and that\u2019s made him a more well-rounded hitter. He really produced in a short time in Philly, but with McCutchen and Harper there, where\u2019s he going to play? He\u2019s more than a bench bat. He\u2019ll be somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/smart.link\/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=www.nbcsports.com&cp_1=washington&cp_2=myteams-nbc-sports&cp_3=nbcsphi1356\">Click here<\/a> to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">More on the Phillies<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-mlb-salary-arbitration-maikel-franco-cesar-hernandez\">Monday could spell the end for 2 longtime Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Phillies sign recognizable veteran infielder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/stephen-strasburg-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Turning a Phillie-killer into a Phillie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/didi-gregorius-2019-phillies-free-agent-target\">Could Phillies make room for Didi?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/phillies-sign-josh-harrison-minor-league-deal\">Rendon? 3 teams will make it tough for Phillies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Corey Dickerson was a difference-making acquisition for the Phillies last season. Does the free agent outfielder fit on the team's 2020 roster? By Jim Salisbury <\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-12-02 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"USA Today Images","format":null,"safe_value":"USA Today Images"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1842191","uid":"146","filename":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/12\/01\/usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"267379","status":"1","timestamp":"1575249502","origname":"usa_corey_dickerson_phillies.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":[],"metadata":{"height":844,"width":1500},"height":"844","width":"1500","alt":null,"title":null}]},"field_league":{"und":[{"tid":"181"}]},"field_section":{"und":[{"tid":"186"}]},"field_short_title":{"und":[{"value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?","format":null,"safe_value":"Free agent Corey Dickerson can hit, but does he fit on 2020 Phillies roster?"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":[],"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"9516"},{"tid":"396"},{"tid":"27846"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":[],"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Philadelphia Phillies, MLB free agency, Corey Dickerson, Phillies free agent targets, Jim Salisbury"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"1"},"name":"nlevick","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764271","entity":{"vid":"812826","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Josh Donaldson","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764271","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574195937","changed":"1574696638","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574262300","revision_timestamp":"1574696638","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-bfda846b-7fff-5645-0a5e-655786116be3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, we check in on slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson has been one of the game\u2019s premier sluggers the last half-dozen seasons. He\u2019s an above-average defender at third base and an outstanding competitor. He has belted at least 33 homers in four of the last five seasons and led the American League with 123 RBIs in 2015, the year he won the AL MVP for Toronto. He battled injury in 2017 and 2018, signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta a year ago and went on to prove himself healthy by finishing 11th in the National League MVP voting in 2019. He played 155 games for the Braves and hit .259 with 37 homers, 94 RBIs and a .900 OPS.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At a position loaded with sluggers, Donaldson is still one of the best and the Phillies have a big need. Phillies third basemen ranked 24th in OPS (.725) and batting average (.243) and 22nd in homers (23) among big-league clubs in 2019. Donaldson\u2019s fiery style of play would quickly win him fans in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn\u2019t fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The injury history, coupled with his age \u2014 he turns 34 in December \u2014 would be a concern on the long-term deal he is seeking, especially when the Phillies have a young third base prospect, Alec Bohm, scheduled to play at Triple A in 2020. Donaldson is one of three big third basemen on the free-agent market with Anthony Rendon and Mike Moustakas. The Phillies have already shown an interest in Moustakas, whose price tag could still allow the team to pump significant resources into pitching.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donaldson jumped quickly at a one-year deal last year. That won\u2019t happen this year. He is said to be looking for at least three years and you have to figure the average annual value will be in the neighborhood of $25 million. If Donaldson keeps producing like he did in 2019, he\u2019d be worth it.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout\u2019s take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cHe loves to play. And when he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a major difference maker. There\u2019s value in that power. The concern for me would be that it\u2019s a long season and he could fit more in the American League because of the DH.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/why-jt-realmutos-contract-extension-phillies-might-take-some-time\">Realmuto extension could take some time<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Josh Donaldson's injury history and age are concerns on a long-term deal, especially for a Phillies team with a young 3B prospect, but his power could provide a big boost. By Jim Salisbury<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1006"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-20 15:05:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978411","uid":"146","filename":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/19\/target_josh_donaldson.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"872419","status":"1","timestamp":"1574195937","origname":"target_josh_donaldson.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman","format":null,"safe_value":"Phillies could tap fertile free-agent market for slugging third baseman"}]},"field_sponsor":[],"field_sport":{"und":[{"tid":"176"}]},"field_tags":{"und":[{"tid":"366"},{"tid":"2516"},{"tid":"371"},{"tid":"4866"},{"tid":"361"}]},"field_team":{"und":[{"tid":"136"}]},"field_top_story":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_video_autoplay":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_videos":{"und":[{"target_id":"764481"}]},"field_tags_hide":[],"field_video_automute":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_editorial_category":{"und":[{"value":"analysis"}]},"field_allow_lld_domains":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_enable_stanza":{"und":[{"value":"1"}]},"field_exclude_from_yahoo":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"robots":{"value":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","noindex":0,"nofollow":0,"noarchive":0,"nosnippet":0,"noodp":0,"noydir":0,"noimageindex":0,"notranslate":0}},"news_keywords":{"value":"Josh Donaldson Phillies, Phillies rumors, Phillies free-agent targets, Phillies trade rumors, Phillies offseason, Phillies payroll, Donaldson rumors, Jim Salisbury, Corey Seidman, Maikel Franco, Anthony Rendon, Mike Moustakas"}}},"path":{"pathauto":"0"},"name":"cseidman","picture":"0","data":"b:0;"},"access":true},{"target_id":"764491","entity":{"vid":"813046","uid":"146","title":"Phillies free-agent target: Anthony Rendon","log":"","status":"1","comment":"0","promote":"0","sticky":"0","nid":"764491","type":"article","language":"und","created":"1574263835","changed":"1574432371","tnid":"0","translate":"0","published":"1574344800","revision_timestamp":"1574432371","revision_uid":"146","body":{"und":[{"value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p><h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p><p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p><p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p><p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p><p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p><p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p><p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p><h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3><p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p><p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p><h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3><p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p><p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p><p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p><h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3><p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p><p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>[embed]<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>[\/embed]<\/p><h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3><p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\"><p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-ab7ef753-7fff-8f96-10fd-c1da51e2b998\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/b><\/p><\/li><\/ul>","summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>","format":"filtered_html","safe_value":"<p><em>Leading up to baseball\u2019s winter meetings, we will take a daily look at some of the game\u2019s top free agents and how they could potentially impact the Phillies.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Today, it's the top position player on the market: Anthony Rendon.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The vitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Rendon first turned heads back in 2014. He was a dynamic player in 2017 and 2018, but this past season, he was just about the perfect position player.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon hit .319\/.412\/.598 with 44 doubles, 34 homers and a MLB-leading 126 RBI despite missing 16 games. He did all of that damage while striking out just 86 times. Add in the solid defense and he's become one of the five best position players in the game today.<\/p>\n<p>He only added more dollars to his free-agent score in the 2019 playoffs by hitting .328 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games en route to a ring.<\/p>\n<p>The stat that epitomized Rendon in 2019 was that his batting average didn't dip below .300 once after April 1, nor did his OPS dip below .916. He was basically slump-proof.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he fits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Phillies obviously need a third baseman and this market just so happens to offer three of the best. Rendon is top-two at his position leaguewide, Josh Donaldson top-seven, and Mike Moustakas is a tier slightly below Donaldson but perhaps more reliable.<\/p>\n<p>If the Phillies could somehow add Rendon, they'd have an incredible duo batting 2-3 or 3-4. Many would say, \"Yeah, they had that in Washington, too,\" but that ignores the fact that Rendon has evolved into a much better player than he was during those years.<\/p>\n<p>Think about a Phils lineup of Andrew McCutchen leading off, Bryce Harper batting second and Rendon third. You'd have a ton of OBP at the top, followed by a clutch, line-drive hitter who thrives with runners in scoring position and barely swings and misses.<\/p>\n<p>It could catapult the Phillies' win projection to the upper-80s, but many teams will be hotly pursuing Rendon.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why he doesn't fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Can any organization sign a player for $330 million one offseason and about $275 million the next? It's just not a path to sustainable success unless you hit on almost every mid-tier move and under-the-radar acquisition.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are expected to offer Rendon, a Texas native, a ton of money as they open their new ballpark in 2020. The Nationals will do their best to retain him. The Dodgers could very well be in play. The presence of even two of those teams will make matters difficult for the Phillies.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The price tag<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February. If Rendon wants to play eight more years, why would his deal be for a dollar less?<\/p>\n<p>Arenado and Rendon are comparable players, especially when you factor Coors Field out of the equation. If you believe the defensive metrics, the gap between the two has shrunk even though Arenado is still a perennial Gold Glover.<\/p>\n<p>Rendon is a better overall player than Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. His deal probably won't reach $300 million, though, because he's three years older than they were when they hit free agency a year ago.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Scout's take<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\"Everyone thinks he's going to Texas to help open that new ballpark. He's a real quiet leader, not demonstrative like others at that position. There's fire but it burns internally. He's a real pro and, obviously, a difference maker.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe and rate At The Yard:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/at-the-yard\/id1214369445?mt=2\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/music\/listen?authuser#\/ps\/Ib3ow2unfxugkqngfv5yvydpzru\">Google Play<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6hUU2XdNVyIhqIrsjxnqLd\">Spotify<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stitcher.com\/podcast\/nbc-sports-philadelphia\/at-the-yard-with-jim-salisbury?refid=stpr\">Stitcher<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\">Art19<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/art19.com\/shows\/at-the-yard\/episodes\/f0fb5259-d26b-4017-a3af-0f54dbea3417\/embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe> \n<h3><strong>More on the Phillies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/zack-wheeler-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Ascending Zack Wheeler could get $100 million<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/baseball-hall-of-fame-bobby-abreu-cliff-lee-curt-schilling-scott-rolen-billy-wagner\">Polarizing list of ex-Phillies on HOF ballot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/john-middleton-interview-mlb-free-agency-mlb-owners-meetings-no-stupid-money-comment\">Another stupid money winter? Middleton talks FA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/gerrit-cole-phillies-2019-mlb-free-agency-target\">Do Phils have too much competition for Gerrit Cole?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/philadelphia\/phillies\/braves-signing-will-smith-has-ripple-effect-nl-east-and-free-agency\">Braves' addition of Smith has ripple effect on NL East, free agency<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","safe_summary":"<p>Free agent Anthony Rendon was the perfect position player in 2019 \u2014 power, average, defense, clutch hitting, reliability. The Phillies face fierce competition, particularly from three teams. By Corey Seidman<\/p>\n"}]},"field_author_reference":{"und":[{"tid":"1001"}]},"field_bean_single_col":{"und":[{"target_id":"3546"}]},"field_chrome_page":{"und":[{"value":"0"}]},"field_date_published":{"und":[{"value":"2019-11-21 14:00:00","timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_db":"UTC","date_type":"datetime"}]},"field_hero_image_credit":{"und":[{"value":"NBCSP","format":null,"safe_value":"NBCSP"}]},"field_image":{"und":[{"fid":"1978381","uid":"146","filename":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","uri":"public:\/\/2019\/11\/20\/target_anthony_rendon.jpg","filemime":"image\/jpeg","filesize":"934669","status":"1","timestamp":"1574263835","origname":"target_anthony_rendon.jpg","type":"image","field_file_image_alt_text":[],"field_file_image_title_text":[],"_drafty_revision_requested":"FIELD_LOAD_CURRENT","metatags":{"und":{"title":{"value":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]","default":"[current-page:title] | [current-page:pager][site:name]"},"description":{"value":"NBC Sports 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