Phillies in Prime Position to Sign All-Star Shortstop

Could the Phillies be in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiations with one All-Star shortstop?

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

One of the Philadelphia Phillies' biggest needs going into the offseason is a shortstop and a great one at that, as current shortstop Didi Gregorius has failed to meet expectations upon joining the team in 2020.

As the first days of signing have gone on, the Phillies have missed their chances at signing two big shortstops, Corey Seager and Javier Báez. Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers, and Baez signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

One name that the Phillies shouldn't sleep on is the 2015 Rookie of The Year, Carlos Correa, who entered free agency after seven seasons with the Houston Astros. Correa is one of the higher quality players, if not the highest, left on the market, and would more than fill the role that is needed in the Phillies' infield.

Correa is coming off of an electric year which saw him hit 26 home runs, drive in 92 RBIs, and earn a WAR of 7.2. Additionally, Correa earned his second All-Star game appearance, whilst also bringing home a Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, as well as finishing fifth in the AL MVP vote.

Over his career, Correa has hit .270 with a slugging percentage of .485. Meanwhile, on the defensive side Correa averages a fielding percentage of .981. All of these stats are areas Philadelphia is actively trying to address. 

One spot that really stands out on Correa's resume is his post-season experience, which is something that a playoff-contending team like Philadelphia is keen to have. Correa has been to the playoffs six times, playing in over 16 different series, including three World Series appearances.

SportTrac places Correa's market value at $26.6 million per year, with him being fairly young at 27-years-old by the start of the next season, it would be wise for Philadelphia to seriously consider offering Correa a contract that would see him in the red pinstripes for years to come.

As the days go on, the options in the free-agent market get fewer and fewer, it's becoming clear that the Phillies need to make a move or they run the risk of starting next season with some loose ends; The clock is ticking.

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