Brewers: 3 FA Signings that Would Show Commitment To Winning

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: Didi Gregorius #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies awaits the play during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on September 27, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

SS Didi Gregorius

After five seasons with the Yankees, Didi Gregorius bet on himself in 2020 by signing a one year, $14MM deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. His results were a .284 batting average, .827 OPS, 10 home runs, and 40 runs batted in. Those numbers and his performance is likely enough for him to get another contract in the double digits in terms of average annual value.

At his best, Gregorius can hit in the mid to high 20’s in terms of home run production. He has only hit 20 or more home runs three times throughout his career. However, had it not been for missing part of the season recovering from TJS in 2019 and the shortened 2020 season, he would have two more 20+ home run season under his belt.

The Brewers did just tender a contract to Orlando Arcia and have Luis Urias under club control for several more years. To date, Arcia has not turned the corner from an offensive standpoint and Urias is still trying to prove himself against major league pitchers. Gregorius would be a clear upgrade at one of the premium positions in the game.

While there were no concerns in 2020 in Gregorius’ ability to play shortstop, if needed, the Brewers could transition him to play 3B. If anything, this may actually improve his offensive numbers for he wouldn’t be asked to do as much defensively, and with slick fielding Arcia and Urias on the team the Brewers defense would remain in good shape.

2021 will be Gregorius’ age 31 season.  While a smaller sample size, 2020 showed that he is not slowing down and his left handed swing would fit in nicely at Miller Park. The Brewers were reportedly interested in him during the 2019 Winter Meetings, so maybe a deal can be made this offseason.