As Cincinnati Reds fans await news about free-agent shortstops - including Didi Gregorius, who made his big-league debut with the Reds in 2012 - Inquirer.com's Scott Lauber reported Thursday that if Gregorius doesn't return to the Philadelphia Phillies, Philly may pursue a reunion with infielder Freddy Galvis.
Gregorius hit .284 with 10 homers and 40 RBIs with an OPS of .827 last season for the Phillies after spending the previous five seasons with the New York Yankees.
Galvis hit .220 with seven homers and 16 RBIs with an OPS of .712 in 2020 for the Reds, which acquired him off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in Aug. 2019.
Galvis is 31. Gregorius turns 31 next month.
Gregorius is aiming for a multiyear contract after taking a one-year deal with the Phillies in 2020. He has been linked to the Cincinnati Reds, but they appear to be reducing payroll. The Yankees could pivot back to Gregorius, who is popular with fans in New York, but only if they don’t re-sign LeMahieu. The Minnesota Twins might have interest, but pitching seems to be their priority.
Maybe, then, Gregorius’ market will drift back to the Phillies. As they monitor the situation, they are also eyeing alternatives, including Semien and a possible reunion with Freddy Galvis, according to a major-league source.
Galvis, the Phillies’ opening-day shortstop for three years (2015-17), has batted .250 with a .707 OPS in three seasons since getting traded, including .220 with a .712 OPS last season for the Reds. He would represent a considerable drop-off from Gregorius, arguably the Phillies’ most consistent — and clutch — hitter last season.
The Enquirer's Bobby Nightengale wrote earlier this week that adding a shortstop remains a priority for the Reds this offseason, with Gregorius among three free agents - along with Marcus Semien and Andrelton Simmons - offering potential for a significant upgrade at the position.
The Phillies agreed Thursday to a one-year, $6 million deal - pending a physical - with relief pitcher Archie Bradley, who was non-tendered by the Reds in December.
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