As expected, the Phillies have declined their $17MM option on second baseman Jean Segura in favor of a $1MM buyout. Philadelphia also confirmed previous reports they’ve exercised their $16MM option on Aaron Nola and that Zach Eflin has declined his end of a $15MM mutual option.
The move could bring an end to Segura’s four-year tenure in Philadelphia. First acquired from the Mariners over the 2018-19 offseason in the deal that sent J.P. Crawford and offloaded Carlos Santana’s contract to Seattle, Segura has spent the past four years playing in the middle infield more or less every day. After one season at shortstop, he’s spent the last three years as the club’s primary second baseman. Segura has been a solid player on both sides of the ball, pairing adequate offense with slightly above-average defensive marks at the keystone.
The two-time All-Star doesn’t have huge power upside, but he consistently puts the ball in play. He’s never had a strikeout rate above the league average in his career, and this past season’s 15% mark is about seven points below the league figure. Paired with above-average speed and an all-fields approach that makes him tough to position against, Segura hit between .266 and .290 in all four seasons of his Phillies tenure. He doesn’t draw many walks, but the solid batting averages have propped up his on-base marks to a reasonable range.
Altogether, Segura put up a .281/.337/.418 mark in just shy of 1800 plate appearances with the Phils. He had a fairly similar .277/.336/.387 line this past season. A fractured finger suffered when he was struck by a pitch while trying to bunt kept him to just 98 games and 387 plate appearances, but he’s otherwise topped 125 games in every full season since becoming a regular with the Brewers in 2013.
There’s no question Segura’s a valuable player, but the hefty option price and modest buyout figure made that a net $16MM call for the Phils. That always looked to be beyond their comfort level, particularly since the club no longer seemed to consider him an option at shortstop. Now that he’s on the open market, however, Segura profiles as arguably the top second baseman available in a generally weak free agent class at the position. He’s not likely to find a $16MM salary for the 2023 campaign, but he could approach or top that overall guarantee over multiple years.
The Phillies could certainly circle back to look to reunite with Segura at some point. Philadelphia is likely to deploy Bryson Stott at one middle infield position after the former top prospect bounced back from an atrocious start to post a solid .276/.331/.404 mark in the second half. Stott could play either middle infield position, and the Phils figure to be mentioned as a prominent suitor for the star-studded free agent shortstop class that features Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson. Matt Gelb of the Athletic indeed suggested this morning the Phillies are likely to explore the shortstop market, so it’s understandable they wouldn’t want to commit a lofty salary to cement Segura in the middle infield at the start of the offseason.
As expected
Sox have been looking for a second baseman for several years, and they just let Harrison go. If Andrus departs or resists playing second for the Sox, Segura could be the kind of player they e been looking for.
Too much $.
White Sox would be better spending $ on a power LH bat in RF and another SP.
Yep.
Andrus said at the end of the season that he’d like to stay with the Sox and he’d be willing to switch to 2b.
Self affirmation lol
Our seat is ready at table Segura
Still think Segura makes sense for Phillies? His hit against the Cardinals propelled the team? Phillies have alot of power, but not alot of contact and I’d figure having a bat like Segura makes sense for them?
He struggled quite a bit down the stretch. He had a postseason moment or two, but in general he just didn’t hit at all.
Why? He’s a good 2nd basemen, are they planning to upgrade SS and move stott to 2nd?
$17m is why. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up re-signing on the open market but they’re not paying him that.
$17m is too much for Clutch Jean. They can either upgrade at 2nd or SS with the money they’re saving. Love Jean though.
Great Phillie.
Mean Jean was still playing under a shortstop’s contract. 2B of his type are paid $7M$-$9M range. Picking up that option greatly skews the 2B market because he can longer play SS. You can pay Story and Semien SS money because they can still play SS, but are being asked to move to 2B. Can’t justify paying Jean twice his market worth. He’ll do fine on the market though, probably 2 years $16M-$18M total. Wouldn’t be totally surprised is someone added a cheap third year or at least an option year.
He can easily get double digit millions in AAV I like 2/$14 per or 3/$13 per.
He is going to be a sneaky good pickup for someone. Always loved his bat. Plays with a lot of energy.
Trea or Dansby to philly?
Because of the Harper pursuit, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try a 10-year deal with Correa. They chose longer deal interest willing to spend on Harper and Machado not only because they were stars, but YOUNG stars. 10 years wouldn’t make them uncomfortable with Correa being as young as he is. Stott to second in that scenario.
Although what really would be a big assist to the lineup is a high average, lots of hits, on base guy like Turner. World Series proved they needed not just power hitters, but high average/on base hitters.
Whoever gives Correa a 10 year deal is moronic.
Hot take: Swanson > Correa
Will miss clutch Jean. He was solid for us. Wishing him the best of luck! Always smiling, he had great energy!
For the same price?
@Milwaukee is there something about Correa that would make a 10 year deal for him any more or less moronic than a 10 year deal for any other player?
I be smiling all day too if making his money.
Well I’d be smiling 24/7.
10 year contracts are moronic. Maybe more so for an injury prone turning 29 year old before next season ends. He’s only played >150 games once in his career.
There’s a difference between a hot and a wrong take.
Agreed. Gotta get guys on for Schwarber and Harper to knock in
Must be Dansby since Trea is staying in LA.
If the Dodgers land Judge or Correa, Turner will not be in LA next yr
Even if they dont land either one I still think Trea is gone
Why would the Dodgers sign Correa instead of Trea Turner when Turner is a big part of the core of their team and has been for years?
And Turner runs the bases, his hit tool is better than Correa’s and he’ll probably take less money to stay in LA.
Correa turned down a $35M option,he’s looking for a Corey Seager, I don’t think he’s going to find it.
Trea Turner has been for years??? he’s got one full season with the Dodgers and part of another. he was a big part of the core of the NATIONALS and was for YEARS….
That’s an eternity lol
“Probably take less money to stay in La”
Based on what? He’s from the east coast.
Because he wants to pay higher taxes?
I was thinking the same thing. He is a good 2nd basemen. Maybe they resign at lower average? Kind of an odd move
It’s not odd at all. It’s a 17m option. Of course they’d decline it. He isn’t worth that. They may try to bring him back cheaper or explore elsewhere.
” They may try to bring him back cheaper…”.
Still a little surprising to me, Von.
He is/was a big part of that team. Always kept his head when others around him were losing theirs. I understand what they’re doing, but hope you’re right and he comes back at a lower salary.
While Stott can obviously play 2B and serve as a backup at SS, am very skeptical about the 3 top FA SS’s – although Swanson (for less money) is interesting. If they’re going to spend big money I’d rather they do that on a starting pitcher and a few more bullpen guys. But I do think trades are coming as well and you may be right about their finally moving Hoskins.
Phillies going head-to-head with the Mets and Braves this off-season. NL East is the best division in MLB.
There are plenty of 2B out there who can do what Segura does.
He is/was a big part of that team.
=================================
Just because they declined the $17M doesn’t mean they cannot bring him back. He was only getting paid $14M+. IF they want him back, $20M/2 should do the trick.
@seamaholic, take a look at this year’s free agent 2B’s. The market is extremely thin. Still wise move by PHI although Segura was a good fit the cost was just too much.
Von,
If I’m Dombrowski, I’m going all out to sign Turner to play SS. Moving Stott to 2B and re-signing Segura at a lower number to play 3B.
Third base, you say? Yep, I’m trading Hoskins and moving Bohm to 1B. Bohm is far more athletic than Hoskins and makes more contact. Most of Bohm’s errors came on throws which will be far less of a problem at 1B than 3B.
After signing Turner, I’m looking for a solid #3, #4 or #5 SP while I await Painter’s debut. Moot point if trading Hoskins brings back that type of SP.
Ranger is a great 3 — has been for 2 seasons, Hoskins is cheap and locked up— well like within clubhouse — chemistry. Stott will go to 2nd, and the phillies will have eyes on Degrom and Xander.
Bohm actually become a decent 3B and doesn’t have the power for a 1B.
It’s unlikely LA would let Trea Turner walk, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Will Smith, Justin Turner, Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor —- why would Carlos Correa be a better fit than Trea Turner?
Trea Turner is the epicenter of the team.
I guess his Jeans are no longer Secura
You crazy goose
I’m thinking Mariners. They sign him instead of big ticket SS
they have JP tho, a few years removed from a gold glove
He’s not a shortstop. he’d be at 2B.
Elfin is rolling huge dice. What is he looking for……geese. I don’t get it.
Anyone? DarkSide….?
Eflin only declined because he knew the Phillies would as well. He discussed this openly. He’s not necessarily expecting more money. He and the Phillies both knew where they stood, so him declining just saved the Phillies time.
Eflin’s a solid SP with upside. Either baking on a team like SF betting on his upside or hoping to get a longer deal. He’s kinda a ticking timebomb with his knees being so poor, I can see him wanting to get as much as he can as soon as he can.
Re-sign Jean at a lower AAV, sign Drury to play 3B, move Bohm tp 1B, and you’ve got plenty of cash to focus on pitching.
Anything to get rid of Hoskins.
I like the idea of Hoskins to Boston. I think he could be what they are looking for at that position.
Boston already has Casas and Hosmer (Pads paying the 39M left on his deal) they don’t want or need Hoskins.
Casas isn’t entrenched and Hosmer can be cut for nothing and probably will.
The lack of appreciation for Hoskins from Phillies fans is baffling.
I agree it’s ridiculous, but I will say Hoskins would be on of the better DHs in the league, but the Phils are forced to play him at 1st. It’s not a great fit.
Bohm has actually turned into a decent 3B but doesn’t have enough power to play 1B. Phillies have other options at 1B like Schwarber or Hall.
Drury is a low OBP guy with a career OPS + of 93 who has had negative dWAR the past 4 seasons. Why would the Phillies want him?
Drury just finished a career year. Throwing years and money at someone who up till now was a journeyman backup is a foolish risk, the kind that gets a GM fired when it blows up.
I didn’t say I wanted to give him Harper money. I’m looking at a deal like the 1st DJL Yankees one. Honestly I think Drury is the real deal with his migrane issues resolved.
White Sox for less than $17 mil
Yup
This makes sense
Will Andrus return to the Sox and play second?
No 2B for Andrus.
He will play and get SS $ somewhere else.
Thanks guys.
I guess I hope he gets what he wants.
Being that close isn’t easy and they’re there now. The pay seems fair , too.
The Phillies need to figure where Nick Maton fits. Too much left hand (with Stott) if they slot him at 2nd? Segura was starting to show some wear and tear the last month.
Who doesn’t show “wear and tear the last month?”
…………Chuck Norris doesn’t……….
The bench? Nick Maton is a serviceable fielder who makes sense as a capable utilityman next to Edmundo Sosa. I don’t see him as a starter.
No knock to him, either. A solid utility guy is a valuable thing to have.
M a n . . . I didn’t think the Phillies would decline his option this quickly. He’s either coming back on a cheaper deal (well, he did say he likes playing in front of the crowd) or Dombrowski has already decided on getting a premium SS and has decided to move Stott to 2B.
Options have to be decided on very quickly, per standard contracts. Don’t remember the deadline but it’s coming very soon, like in a few days.
5 days after the Series, I believe.
White Sox
Trea Turner Phillies Shortstop, Correa to LA
Not sure why but I have a feeling Bogaerts is going to end up a Philly
I was thinking Bryce has been talking to Trea and DD https://thelibertyline.com/2022/08/06/trea-turner-bryce-harper/
except Turner’s offensive stats in the playoffs are mediocre.
I was thinking Bryce has been talking to Trea and DD
https://thelibertyline.com/2022/08/06/trea-turner-bryce-harper/
White Sox will overpay. 3/30. Not a huge overpay but they need to be better on both sides of the ball at 2b
south side hit men;
White Sox have to cut payroll. Substantially.
Low strikeout rate, 83.2% contact rate, decent OBP and BA, positive OAA at three infield positions over the past three seasons. A good player to have. He might end up in Philly at a lower price, but they’re likely to have competition for his services.
Zach Eflin was great in High School zmusical and Neighbors. Baywatch not so much
Hope he comes back home where his career started in Anaheim.
3 years $27 million to be the Angels 2b.
Could Segura play SS? I know he started his career there.
Doubt Segura has the range any longer to be an everyday SS. Traditionally, middle infielders don’t age well. On almost every batted ball, the 2B and/or SS is running somewhere. Takes its toll on the old body.
Loved Segura while he was in Philly. Wish him well and would be happy if Dombro brings him back should he be unsuccessful chasing one of the big time FA shortstops.
Jean Segura = Christian Arroyo
Jean was one of my favorite Phillies. He is a solid all-around player with hitting, fielding and running and plays with consistent effort and passion. I would love for him to re-sign with the Phils, but it may not be in the cards in terms of their upgrades. Either way I appreciate his contributions and wish him the best!
Could Segura go back to being a shortstop? I know he started his career there.
No longer has the range to be an everyday SS.
Phillies have lots of infield options as bohm can also play 2nd base,1st base as well as 3rd. Phillies need another top starting pitcher in my opinion, unless Painter is the real deal.
Bohm can play 2B???
Did on numerous occasions this season.
Not, maybe on that side of the infield on a shift but never as a second baseman.
Gonna miss Jean. A good guy.
I think Jean is worth what they declined. I get it, I can see it as a debatable issue especially if you expect the Phillies to go after a legit player in FA, but a lot of teams would prob be happy with that cost/production. Eflin turning down the money is a bit odd as I believe it’s more aav than he’s gonna get. But guessing he’s looking for a longer term deal even if it means taking a pay cut on aav. More overall money and now his prob gonna be his best shot to get it
He’s been a very nice player for Philly. Better than I expected. But $17M is too much,
This is a guy screaming for the WS to sign.
He was a good man. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
I think Jean Segura ends up in ChiSox. It seems like the best fit.
Phillies should be wary of paying Trey Turner a big contract. His hitting stats in the playoffs are not good.
The Phillies could still circle back for Jean Segura if their plans to upgrade SS don’t pan out, if Segura is still available and has not signed elsewhere,.