The Philadelphia Phillies desperately needed to improve their infield depth. Edmundo Sosa may be an excellent defensive player but his offensive track record has been questionable. Daulton Guthrie performed well in his brief trial last season but 28 plate appearances do not make a major league caliber player. The Phillies needed a proven option on their bench to provide depth in the infield.
They found that player on Sunday. According to Jon Heyman, the Phillies signed Josh Harrison to a one year deal worth $2 million. This is technically the second time that Harrison has been a part of the organization, having signed a minor league deal during the 2019-20 offseason, but he was let go without appearing in a game.
Josh Harrison perfect fallback option for Philadelphia Phillies
Harrison had a solid showing for the White Sox last season. He posted a respectable .256/.317/.370 batting line in his 425 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and 19 doubles. He drew just 21 walks, but also struck out only 71 times while primarily seeing time at second and third.
Both areas could be an area of concern for the Phillies. Alec Bohm may have turned his career around last season but it is reasonable to have an experienced option waiting just in case he falters. Bryson Stott is projected to start at second despite a less than impressive rookie campaign. Harrison provides someone with a proven track record just in case he is needed.
It is also possible that Harrison sees time in left as well during the 2023 campaign. Kyle Schwarber struggled against left handed pitching last year, posting a .193/.301/.386 batting line with ten homers in 229 plate appearances against southpaws. Harrison, meanwhile, may not hit for as much power, but as a right handed bat, could give Schwarber some time off against tough lefties.
This is not a move that is going to grab headlines. Harrison is not in the same stratosphere as the signings of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, or even Craig Kimbrel. Nonetheless, he is solid veteran option and the type of player that winning teams look to have on their roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Josh Harrison for the 2023 season. It is a shrewd move to address their somewhat mediocre infield depth.