It could be Bryson Stott, who finished ’26 at third.
It could be prospect Aidan Miller, if he is healthy and playing well.
The Phillies have never signed a Japanese free agent, but Teruaki Sato was made available via the posting process. The Phils could open the checkbook for Sato, but will a Japanese star want to play in Philly? It’s been a tough sell to this point. Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto had absolutely zero interest in playing for the Phillies.
But there is more than one potential spot to fill on the Phillies’ infield, which makes this situation complex. Stott could be playing second base again, if the Phillies don’t bring back Luis Arraez, who is a free agent.
Stott could be playing shortstop, too, if Trea Turner can’t keep his job.
Turner could move somewhere else on the infield -- second base, perhaps? -- if he needs to move off short.
Or he could move to the outfield.
There are a lot of moving pieces here, making this a fascinating offseason for Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
