The Phillies and Mariners have agreed in principle to a trade that would bring Jean Segura to Philadelphia, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford is reportedly involved in the deal, but there will surely be more pieces moving.
Even though Philly has plenty of cash to spend, sounds like Mariners would be getting Carlos Santana in this deal to offset what is left on Segura's deal, which is just under $60 million. Santana is owed about $40 million over the next two seasons.— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) December 3, 2018
Segura, who turns 29 in March, would be the initial prize in what's expected to be a busy offseason for the Phillies. He'll play shortstop and hit at the top of the order, providing the Phils' lineup skills it lacked. Segura is an offensive catalyst, a consistent .300 hitter with speed who extends at-bats and uses center and right field as much any right-handed hitter in the game.
In 2016, Segura hit .319 with 20 home runs and 41 doubles with the Diamondbacks, before being traded to Seattle, where he hit .302 the last two years with less pop. Citizens Bank Park plays much smaller than does Safeco Field, which could get Segura back closer to those 2016 career-highs.
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Segura is owed $14.25 million in each of the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons. There is a $17 club option for 2023. Altogether, it's $58 million guaranteed over the next four seasons, a more than fair price for a player of Segura's caliber.
Our Jim Salisbury first reported Saturday the Phillies' interest in Segura, noting that they would still pursue Manny Machado whether or not they added Segura (see story).
More to come Monday morning ...
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