3 Phillies Who Should Sit Out 2020 if Rob Manfred Institutes 50-Game Season

The Philadelphia Phillies might be a bit on the top-heavy side of things given how their roster is constructed, but they have as good a shot as anyone of taking home the 2020 NL East crown given the star power on the field and Joe Girardi in the dugout.

Unfortunately, the 2020 MLB season could be as short as 50 games if the owners have their way, which would essentially turn the season into a crapshoot. If that is indeed the return to play plan that gets passed, these three Phillies need to sit 2020 out.

3. SS Didi Gregorius

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Injuries and the performance of other young infielders forced Gregorius to leave the New York Yankees and sign a one-year contract with Girardi and the Phillies. The entire point Didi took a short deal like this was to rebuild his value, and he can only rebuild it so much during 50 unusual games. Signing another one-year deal in 2021, which hopefully will not have any unusual schedule quirks, would be a better way for Didi to re-establish himself.

2. C JT Realmuto

Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto / Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Realmuto is one of the best catchers in the game, if not the outright best. Slated for free agency in 2021, Realmuto is going to be offered some ridiculous contracts given the lack of tremendous offensive catchers that hit the free agent market. Sitting out for the season, which eliminates the risk of injury or poor performance, won't change the fact that Realmuto is almost in a class of his own when it comes to the rest of the league's catchers and will be courted tirelessly as a free agent.

1. OF Bryce Harper

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Harper, who has hinted at the fact he is willing to sit out a season if he isn't sold on the financial end of things, is going to make around $8.5 million in 50 prorated games. That sounds like a lot of money, but it looks like a paltry sum compared to the $27 million he was scheduled to make this season. Harper is locked in with Philadelphia until he turns 38 in 2032, so he won't have to worry about money. Playing in these 50 games merely presents Harper with a chance to injure himself and earn 1/3 of his salary, which isn't attractive whatsoever.