Phillies sign versatile Harrison to 1-year deal
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PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies sacrificed bench depth in January, when they traded Matt Vierling and Nick Maton to the Tigers for Gregory Soto.
They addressed that shortcoming on Monday, signing utility player Josh Harrison to a one-year, $2 million contract. To make room for Harrison on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-hander Sam Coonrod for assignment.
Harrison, 35, locks up another spot on the Phillies’ bench, alongside catcher Garrett Stubbs and infielder Edmundo Sosa. It leaves two openings with Dalton Guthrie, Darrick Hall, Kody Clemens and Jake Cave the presumed frontrunners. Harrison battled .256 with seven home runs, 27 RBIs and a .687 OPS in 425 plate appearances last season with the White Sox. He played second base, third base, left field, shortstop and even pitched three innings.
In his career, Harrison has played everywhere except catcher.
Harrison signed a Minor League contract with the Phillies before the 2020 season, but he requested his release that July before baseball returned following its hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Harrison had been competing with Neil Walker, Phil Gosselin and Ronald Torreyes for bench jobs.
Harrison was a two-time All-Star with the Pirates in 2014 and '17. He has batted .272 with a .716 OPS and 96 OPS+ in his 12-year career.