Could the Phillies Pursue a Top Free Agent Shortstop This Winter?

The Philadelphia Phillies like to spend money, but could they sign a shortstop from a historic free agent class this offseason?

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Despite how this season finishes for the Philadelphia Phillies, one thing is for certain: the left side of the infield is a mess. Currently, the Phillies are using a two-man platoon at shortstop and third base. Didi Gregorius and Freddy Galvis are splitting time at shortstop, while Galvis and Ronald Torreyes platoon at third. Neither option is particularly enticing and on a team that's supposedly a contender, it shouldn't be like this.

Alec Bohm was slotted to be the everyday third baseman after a stellar rookie campaign in 2020. However, the disappearance of his power at the plate, combined with his defensive liabilities, prompted a demotion to Lehigh Valley.

Additionally, the plan was for Gregorius to step up and take grasp of the shortstop position. Instead, his struggles against left-handed pitchers has all but forced the issue for a platoon role.

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That left Girardi with no choice but to use bench players to fill everyday roles at two infield positions. Not ideal.

Whether or not owner John Middleton decides to spend "stupid money" this offseason and give President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski the green light to make a splash, could be the difference in success and failure in 2022.

It begs the question: could Philadelphia pursue one of the top free agent shortstops in this winter's historic class?

There are some compelling names that will hit the market, that include Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Corey Seager, and Javier Báez. If the Phillies pursue one of these players then it would likely mean that Galvis would be moved to third next season. It also raises the question about Bohm's future.

Regardless, pursuing one of these players would make this Philadelphia squad better. Currently, the Phillies are getting some of their worst production from the shortstop position with the platoon hitting .234/.290/.370 with a WAR of just 1.4. That ranks near the bottom in the MLB.

Not only is that production among the lowest in the league, but only the Cincinnati Reds have received less production from shortstop that could be considered a "contender."

On the flip side, here is how each of the top free agent shortstops have performed for their teams this season:

Correa: .285/.371/.491 with a WAR of 5.5

Báez: .264/.317/.505 with a WAR of 3.6

Story: .247/.325/.476 with a WAR of 3.5

Seager: .282/.375/.453 with a WAR of 2.4 (only 360 plate appearances)

Philadelphia will likely not be able to make trades this winter just based on the state of the farm system. It is still possible, but this team will likely have to make acquisitions using the open market. Depending on the new CBA, it could be dangerous waters to wade in.

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If the Phillies do decide to spend money, then they should set their sights on one of the above players. Seager could be the best bet financially, just based on age and sustained success over the course of his career. Regardless, any of the free agents would be a massive upgrade at the position and would directly help address third base and potentially left field in the process.

With players like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola all in their primes, the time to strike is now. It is why Dombrowski was hired, they do not want to waste the window they have with these players. It would be very in character to make another high-profile acquisition to supplement the squad.

In fact, the fate of the 2022 season may very well depend on it. 

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