Versatile veteran Josh Harrison is joining the Phillies on a one-year, $2 million deal, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported Sunday. Harrison’s agency, MSM Sports, also announced he is in agreement with Philadelphia. The club has not confirmed.
Harrison, 35, appeared in 119 games with the White Sox during the 2022 season. He slashed .256/.317/.370 with seven homers while making 85 starts at second base and 20 at third. Chicago declined Harrison’s 2023 club option after the season, making him a free agent.
While Harrison has spent the majority of his big league career playing second and third, he’s made appearances at every position except catcher. He’ll likely serve as a utility infielder for Philadelphia, backing up second baseman Bryson Stott and third baseman Alec Bohm.
The Cincinnati native began his career with the Pirates and spent eight seasons with the team, earning a pair of All-Star selections. His best year in terms of wins above replacement came in 2014, when he hit .315 with 13 homers, an .837 OPS and a 5.6 WAR, per Baseball-Reference, over 143 games for Pittsburgh.
Since his tenure with the Bucs came to an end after the 2018 season, Harrison has played for the Tigers, Nationals and A’s in addition to the White Sox. He also signed a Minor League deal with the Phillies prior to the 2020 season but was released before the pandemic-shortened campaign began.
He’ll enter his 13th big league season with a lifetime .272/.318/.398 slash line, a 96 OPS+, 71 home runs and a 17.5 bWAR.