Utilityman Harrison’s Addition Could be Massive For Phillies This Season
This was the type of signing that didn’t shake the transaction wire.
When the Philadelphia Phillies officially added 35-year-old infielder Josh Harrison to a one-year, $2 million deal at the end of January, it was far from the biggest free agent signing in Major League Baseball.
But Harrison’s addition could prove to be one of the most valuable as the season progresses.
Harrison can play multiple positions and can also be utilized as the designated hitter. More than that, he’ll be a huge veteran presence in an already strong clubhouse.
“I don’t believe in coincidences,” Harrison told The Athletic. “All I knew was I had a lot to offer. I’d be able to help somebody. You just need one team.”
Harrison played 119 games for the Chicago White Sox last season and hit .256 with seven home runs and 19 doubles. He played second base, third base, shortstop and left field.
Harrison is a two-time All-Star and a career .272 hitter with 71 home runs and 378 RBI for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics and the White Sox.
Harrison was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the sixth round of the 2008 draft.
That was the same year the Phillies last won a World Series. They came close last season, falling two games short against the Houston Astros.
Harrison is hoping to be part of the 2023 group that wins the whole thing.
“Josh is a guy that can play anywhere on the field,” manager Rob Thomson said. “He is tremendous in the clubhouse. He’s the kind of guy, he’ll start out a year as a utility guy, but he plays so well that it’s hard to keep him out of the lineup. That’s just the type of guy he is. Great clubhouse presence. I’m really happy to have him because he gives us a lot of flexibility.”
And hopefully that flexibility will play a large role as the Phillies celebrate with a parade down Broad Street.
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