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Didi Gregorius
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Mariekson Julius "Didi" Gregorius (born February 18, 1990) is a Curaçaoan professional baseball shortstop for the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Key Information

Gregorius was born in Amsterdam to Johannes Gregorius Sr., a Dutch professional baseball player. His family moved to Curaçao when Gregorius was five years old, at which point he began playing tee-ball and youth baseball. MLB scouts began taking notice of Gregorius when he was a teenager, and he signed with the Reds in 2007 after they offered to bring him to the United States. Gregorius' rise through the Reds' farm system was hindered in 2011 when a chronic kidney malfunction caused him to miss two months of the season, but he made his major league debut in September 2012. After the 2012 season, with Gregorius' path to the majors blocked by starting shortstop Zack Cozart, Cincinnati traded him to Arizona, where he split his playing time with Chris Owings and Cliff Pennington.

The Yankees, needing a shortstop to replace the recently retired Derek Jeter, acquired Gregorius in December 2014, and he played the next five seasons for the team. His batting improved with the Yankees: in addition to breaking Jeter's single-season home run record in 2017, he put up 20 or more home runs in three consecutive seasons. Despite missing several weeks of the 2019 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Gregorius continued to hit for power upon his return, with a postseason grand slam securing the Yankees' place in the 2019 American League Championship Series.

The Yankees chose not to extend his contract at the end of the season, and the Phillies signed Gregorius as a free agent that winter. Gregorius' first two seasons with the Phillies were hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, associated visa issues, and a battle with pseudogout, and he batted a career low .209 in 2021. The Phillies released him in August 2022, and he has since played in the Mexican League.

Gregorius has represented the Dutch national baseball team at several international tournaments, including the Baseball World Cup and World Baseball Classic. At the 2011 Baseball World Cup, he and his teammates received honorary knighthood after defeating Cuba in the gold medal match. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 European Championship.

Family and early life

[edit]

Gregorius was born in Amsterdam on February 18, 1990. His father, Johannes Gregorius Sr., worked as a carpenter and pitched for the Amsterdam Pirates of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse, the Dutch professional baseball league,[1] while his mother, Sheritsa Stroop, had played for the Netherlands women's national softball team.[2] Gregorius' paternal grandfather, Antonio, was also a baseball player, pitching in four games for the Netherlands Antilles at the 1955 Pan American Games.[3]

The Gregorius family moved from Amsterdam to Curaçao in 1995, to follow Gregorius Sr.'s baseball career. Gregorius, inspired by his older brother Johannes Jr., began playing tee-ball and Little League Baseball in the Netherlands and took up drawing in his free time. Gregorius, his brother, and his father played together on a semi-pro team that won its league in 2006 and 2007.[3] In addition to baseball, Gregorius played soccer and basketball throughout his childhood, but he was not as invested in those other sports.[1]

Professional career

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Cincinnati Reds

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Minor leagues

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Jim Stoeckel, a scout for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB), became interested in Gregorius after watching him play an under-18 tournament with the Dutch Antilles in 2006.[1] The Reds signed Gregorius as an international free agent two years later at the behest of Stoeckel, for a signing bonus of $50,000.[4] The Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres had also expressed interest in Gregorius, but he chose to sign with the Reds because they offered him an opportunity to begin playing professional baseball in the United States rather than in the Venezuelan or Dominican Summer Leagues.[5] He made his professional baseball debut in 2008 with the Gulf Coast Reds, a Rookie League team. His rookie outing was mostly unremarkable, with a .155 batting average in 109 plate appearances, as well as 10 strikeouts and 12 errors in 134 chances.[6]

In 2009, Gregorius primarily appeared with the rookie-level Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League, batting .314 in 50 games, but he also played in the High-A Florida State League for the Sarasota Reds.[7] In 22 games with Sarasota, Gregorius batted .254, with eight runs, four doubles, and two RBI.[8] The following year, while playing with the Single-A Dayton Dragons, the Reds' farm system took notice of Gregorius' powerful infield arm, as well as his speed on the base path: he fell one triple short of the club record with 11, and stole 16 bases, in addition to hitting .273 with five home runs.[9] On August 31, after Miguel Rojas was promoted to Double-A, Gregorius joined the High-A Lynchburg Hillcats to serve as that team's starting shortstop.[10] He played seven games with Lynchburg, batting .240 with six hits and four runs.[7] After the regular season, Gregorius played in the Australian Baseball League with the Canberra Cavalry, where he was named as the ABL's Defensive Player of the Year.[11] Despite batting only .189, he enjoyed his time in Australia, and said that playing against major league veterans helped him when he returned to the United States.[12]

During a routine test in the spring of 2011, doctors found that Gregorius had elevated blood levels of cholesterol and proteins, as well as hypertension. He was initially suspected of using performance-enhancing substances, but further tests revealed a kidney malfunction. Gregorius was ordered not to play baseball and to adopt a vegetarian diet; these lifestyle changes, combined with a medication regimen, allowed him to return to the field after two months of recovery.[13] When he returned to the field, it was with the High-A Bakersfield Blaze, before a midseason promotion to the Double-A Carolina Mudcats.[14] Between the two teams, Gregorius batted .289 for the season, with seven home runs, 44 RBI, and 48 runs in 84 games and 363 plate appearances.[7] That November, Gregorius was one of six players that the Reds added to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[15]

Gregorius entered the 2012 season as a top Double-A prospect with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Through the first 80 games of the season, he batted .282 with one home run, 31 RBI, 45 runs, and three stolen bases, enough to receive midseason All-Star honors from the Southern League.[16] After 81 games in Pensacola, the Reds promoted Gregorius to the Triple-A Louisville Bats of the International League.[17] In 48 games there, he batted .243 with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 25 runs in 202 plate appearances.[7]

Major leagues

[edit]

A September call-up for the Reds,[18] Gregorius made his major league debut on September 5, 2012, starting in place of Zack Cozart for a 6–2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.[19] In eight games at the end of the season, Gregorius batted .300 with two RBI.[20] After the season, Gregorius played in the Arizona Fall League, helping take the Peoria Javelinas to a championship title by batting .278 with one home run and eight RBIs in 74 at bats.[21][22]

Arizona Diamondbacks

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Didi Gregorius following through on a swing in a white Arizona Diamondbacks jersey
Gregorius batting for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013

Gregorius' future with the Reds was hindered by Cozart, a more experienced shortstop who was presumed to have more offensive power, and thus he became an attractive trade target for Cincinnati after the 2012 season.[5] On December 11, 2012, Gregorius was part of a three-team trade for Cincinnati: initially, he and Drew Stubbs were sent to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and infielder Jason Donald, but, as the Indians already had an established shortstop in Asdrubal Cabrera, they traded Gregorius to the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Trevor Bauer.[23]

Later that month, Gregorius injured his elbow while playing catch, and he was unable to resume throwing until spring training had already begun. The Diamondbacks agreed to start Gregorius with the Triple-A Reno Aces until his rehab assignment was completed, but after Aaron Hill was sidelined with a fractured hand, Gregorius was called up to start at second base. In the first pitch of his first at-bat on April 18, 2013, Gregorius hit his first major league home run off of New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes. He was the seventh Diamondback to hit a home run in his first at-bat with the team, and the first to do so on the first pitch.[24] On April 27, Gregorius was hit by a pitch from Colorado Rockies reliever Josh Outman. He was struck in the right temple with a 93 mph (150 km/h) fastball and fell to the ground; ultimately, Gregorius was able to leave the plate on his own, and Cliff Pennington filled in as a pinch runner.[25] He was placed on the seven-day concussion list after the game and was reinstated on May 4.[26] Gregorius put up a sturdy .252 average in 103 games, but began to lose playing time towards the end of the season due to his inefficiency against left-handed pitchers, averaging only .200 with a .267 on-base percentage.[27]

Gregorius entered spring training in 2014 in competition with prospect Chris Owings for the starting shortstop role within the Diamondbacks organization.[27] Owings was ultimately named to the Diamondbacks' opening day roster, with Gregorius sent to Triple-A in the most controversial roster decision of the season. Previously, general manager Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson had suggested that Owings and Gregorius would both make the 25-man roster and split time in the middle infield, especially as outfielder Cody Ross was starting the season on the disabled list, but Towers instead optioned Gregorius to the minors and told reporters that he would be called up in case of injury.[28] That June, Pennington, serving as the team's backup shortstop, suffered an injury that forced Arizona to call up Gregorius. Gibson wanted to keep Owings as the starting infielder but intended to split his playing time with Gregorius more equitably than Owings had split with Pennington.[29] Gregorius played in 80 major league games in 2014, batting .226 in 270 at bats, with six home runs, 27 RBIs, and 35 runs. He played 67 of those games at shortstop, 11 at second base, and two at third base.[30]

New York Yankees

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Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees bound for the Hall of Fame, announced in February 2014 that he would retire at the end of the year, leaving the team to find an appropriate replacement. Hanley Ramirez, Troy Tulowitzki, and J. J. Hardy were all speculated as acquisition targets for the team, who ultimately focused on acquiring Gregorius.[31] The Yankees acquired Gregorius on December 5, 2014, in a three-team trade with Arizona and the Detroit Tigers: Gregorius went from Arizona to New York, Shane Greene went from New York to Detroit, and Robbie Ray and Domingo Leyba went from Detroit to Arizona.[32]

2015–16

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Gregorius playing shortstop for the Yankees in 2015

Gregorius, named the opening day shortstop for the Yankees, told reporters that he was not worried about replacing Jeter and that he was more focused on his own performance than any comparisons to the previous infielder.[33] He struggled through the first part of the season, making six errors by the end of May and batting only .222, but he began to find his stride in June, committing only one error between June 7 and August 3 and increasing his batting average to .260 during that span.[34] On August 28, Gregorius went 4-for-5 with one home run and set a career-high six RBIs in a 15–4 rout of the Atlanta Braves. His first-inning home run was the seventh of the season and came only a day after his sixth home run.[35] In his first season with the Yankees, Gregorius played in 155 games, batting .265 with nine home runs and 56 RBIs.[30] After the season ended, Gregorius was named a finalist for the American League (AL) Gold Glove Award at shortstop,[36] ultimately losing to Alcides Escobar of the Kansas City Royals.[37]

Didi Gregorius batting left handed in New York Yankees pinstripes in 2016
Gregorius batting for the Yankees in 2016

Gregorius entered the 2016 season last in the batting order but had a breakout year, setting career highs with a .447 slugging percentage, 32 doubles, 20 home runs, and 70 RBIs. He told reporters that he had not focused on hitting home runs, and that he was actually working on line drives, but that, "If they go out, they go out."[38] He had spent the offseason working with fellow Curaçao native Hensley Meulens, the hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants. Meulens focused on improving Gregorius' efficacy against left-handed pitchers, and by mid-July, his .366 average against southpaws was the best in the league among left-handed hitters.[39] On June 29, Gregorius hit the first walk-off home run of his major league career, a two-run blast against the Texas Rangers, who had the best record in the AL at that time.[40] The 2016 Yankees season was considered an overall disappointment, but Gregorius' performance established him as a central piece as the team looked ahead towards rebuilding during the offseason.[41]

2017

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Prior to the 2017 season, Gregorius suffered a shoulder injury while fielding a double play during the World Baseball Classic. He was required to spend two weeks engaging in no baseball activity, followed by an estimated four weeks of rehab assignments, leaving the Yankees without their expected opening day shortstop.[42] He began a series of rehab assignments for the Tampa Yankees on April 22, with an estimated major league return date of May 1.[43] Gregorius was activated on April 28, starting in a 14–11 win over the Baltimore Orioles.[44] Upon his return, Gregorius said that he felt "locked in" at the plate, putting up an eight-game hitting streak in mid-July, with home runs in three consecutive games.[45] He was a finalist for a position in the MLB All-Star Game, but the fan vote ultimately went to Mike Moustakas of the Royals.[46] On September 4, Gregorius hit his 20th home run of the year, becoming the first Yankees shortstop to knock in 20 or more home runs in back-to-back seasons.[47] Later that month, on September 20, Gregorius hit his 25th home run of the season, passing Jeter's record for most single-season home runs by a Yankees shortstop.[48] Limited to 136 games with his shoulder injury, Gregorius batted .287 for the regular season, with 87 RBIs and 73 runs.[30]

Facing the Minnesota Twins in the American League Wild Card Game, Gregorius hit a game-tying three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, helping the Yankees to take the game 8–4 and advance to the American League Division Series (ALDS).[49] In the series-deciding Game 5 of the ALDS, Gregorius hit two home runs against Cleveland ace Corey Kluber. The Yankees defeated Cleveland 5–2 and advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS).[50] Gregorius became the second Yankee to hit two home runs in a winner-take-all postseason game.[51] The Yankees lost the ALCS to the Houston Astros in seven games.[52] He batted .250 with 3 home runs and 7 RBI in 13 postseason games.[53]

2018

[edit]
Didi Gregorius in a gray New York Yankees jersey in 2018, exiting the batter's box in front of a catcher and umpire
Gregorius batting in 2018

Gregorius began the 2018 season with a career-high eight-RBI performance in the Yankee's April 3 home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, helping to push the team to an 11–4 victory.[54] Through the month of April, Gregorius led the league with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs, and a .766 slugging percentage,[55] and he received both AL Player of the Week and Player of the Month honors at the end of the month.[56] His performance in April was followed by a slump through May and the start of June, during which Gregorius batted .177 and scored only one home run. He snapped this dry spell with two home runs against the Washington Nationals on June 12. In addition to putting Gregorius back on pace to record 20 home runs in a season, he also became, in that game, the first Yankees shortstop to have three multi-home run games in a season.[57] Gregorius batted .268 for the regular season, with 86 RBIs and 89 runs in 504 at bats.[30] His 27 home runs, meanwhile, helped the Yankees break the MLB single-season record, set by the 1997 Seattle Mariners; Gleyber Torres hit the Yankees' 265th home run of the year on September 29.[58]

On September 23, Gregorius' game-winning run against the Orioles helped the Yankees clinch a Wild Card berth, but he tore the cartilage in his wrist while sliding home, leaving it in question whether he would be healthy for the postseason.[59] He received a cortisone shot and returned to the lineup on September 28 for the final game of the regular season, an 11–6 rout of the Red Sox.[60] The Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 7–2 in the Wild Card Game, with Gregorius scoring an RBI on a sacrifice fly that brought home Luke Voit.[61] Gregorius struggled defensively against the Red Sox in the ALDS, uncharacteristically missing throws in Games 3 and 4. The Red Sox took the series in four games.[62] He batted .235 with one double in 5 postseason games.[53]

2019

[edit]

Gregorius, who had already suffered an "asymptomatic" partial ulnar collateral ligament tear when he was acquired by the Yankees in 2014, aggravated his injury when he made a throw from the outfield in Game 2 of the ALCS. He had been able to push through the rest of the Yankees' playoff run, but required Tommy John surgery after the season to repair the elbow.[63] Gregorius subsequently began the 2019 season on the 60-day injured list and was activated on June 7, after eight months of rehab.[64] On July 23, Gregorius batted a perfect 5-for-5 against the Minnesota Twins, picking up seven RBIs to help the Yankees win 14–12 in extra innings. It was the second time that Gregorius had gone 4-for-4 or better with seven RBIs in a game, joining Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio as the only Yankees to accomplish the feat multiple times.[65] In the sixth inning of that same game, Gregorius hit his 100th career home run, off of Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson.[66] He finished the regular season with a .238 average in 324 at bats, with 16 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 47 runs.[30] The Yankees faced the Twins again in the ALDS, and in Game 2, Gregorius hit the first postseason grand slam by a Yankees shortstop.[67] The Yankees advanced to the ALCS, but were defeated in six games by the Astros.[68] In his final trip to the MLB postseason, he hit . 273 with one home run in 9 games.[53] After the season, Gregorius became a free agent, with the Yankees choosing not to make a one-year, $17.8 million qualifying offer to him.[69]

Philadelphia Phillies

[edit]
Didi Gregorius in 2020, rounding the bases with his hands up, wearing a dark-colored face mask
Gregorius in 2020

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Gregorius to a one-year, $14 million contract on December 16, 2019. He and pitcher Zack Wheeler were considered the team's most important free agent acquisitions of the offseason.[70] The 2020 MLB season was delayed until July and shortened to 60 regular-season games due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Gregorius' kidney disorder meant that he was considered "high-risk" for the virus, and he had an opportunity to decline playing during the pandemic and decline $9 million of his one-year contract. Instead, Gregorius chose to play, wearing a face mask at all times on the field.[71] Gregorius was a good addition for the Phillies in the pandemic-shortened season: among MLB shortstops, he was third in RBIs (40), fifth in hits (61) and home runs (10), and sixth in batting average (.286). Additionally, he hit .345 for the season with runners in scoring position.[72]

The Phillies re-signed Gregorius to a two-year, $28 million contract on February 10, 2021.[73] Due to the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gregorius was one of seven Phillies who ran into visa issues and reported late to 2021 spring training. Manager Joe Girardi was unconcerned about Gregorius' late start to training camp, telling reporters, "I would expect that Didi's in pretty good shape because that's who he is and that's what I'm used to seeing."[74] On March 29, Gregorius was named as the Phillies' starting shortstop for the 2021 season, sharing the middle infield with Jean Segura.[75] On opening day, Gregorius made an over-the-shoulder catch to stop Ozzie Albies and help extend to extra innings, where the Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 3–2.[76] In mid-April, Gregorius injured his elbow while making a catch and missed three games due to swelling in the area. He initially avoided going on the injured list as doctors drained the elbow, but a recurrent swelling in mid-May forced him out of the lineup again.[77] The elbow injury continued to hinder Gregorius through a series of rehab assignments with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, and on June 16, he was diagnosed with pseudogout and was able to begin an appropriate treatment program.[78] He returned to the lineup on July 2, after missing 41 games to the injury. In his first game off of the injured list, Gregorius hit a solo home run in the fifth inning of a 4–3 extra-innings win against the San Diego Padres.[79] Gregorius proceeded to have the worst season of his MLB career, batting only .210 with a .667 on-base plus slugging (OPS) in his first 200 at bats following his stint on the injured list. He blamed his offensive difficulties on the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, which he claimed led to his battle with pseudogout, a conclusion that doctors at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said was incorrect.[80] Gregorius batted .209 in 103 games for the Phillies, with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 368 at bats in 2021. His offense did not improve in 2022, as he slashed .210/.263/.304.[30] He was released by the Phillies on August 4, 2022.[81][82]

Algodoneros de Unión Laguna

[edit]

On May 1, 2023, Gregorius signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.[83] In 26 games for the Algodoneros, he hit .359/.431/.777 with 11 home runs and 34 RBI.[84]

Seattle Mariners

[edit]

On June 8, 2023, Gregorius signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[85] He joined the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers at the end of June.[86] In 25 games, he hit .192/.282/.337 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI. On August 2, Gregorius opted out of his contract and became a free agent.[87][88]

Arabia Wolves

[edit]
Didi Gregorius, facing forward, and several teammates in dark colored Arabia Wolves jerseys standing in a row
Gregorius and teammate Courtney Hawkins (left) with the Arabia Wolves in 2025

On October 23, 2023, Gregorius was selected third overall in the inaugural Baseball United draft by the Dubai Wolves.[89] During the league's all-star showcase event in November 2023, Gregorius went a combined 2-for-8 with a double for the United West All-Stars.[90]

Algodoneros de Unión Laguna (second stint)

[edit]

On April 7, 2024, Gregorius signed again with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.[91] In 74 appearances for the Algodoneros, he hit .262/.363/.410 with seven home runs, 43 RBI, and six stolen bases.

Gregorius returned with Laguna for a second season for the 2025 season. In 50 games, he hit .288/.346/.389 with 2 home runs and two stolen bases.[7][92]

International career

[edit]

Gregorius first played for the Netherlands national baseball team at the 2009 Baseball World Cup. At the 2011 Baseball World Cup, after the Netherlands defeated Cuba 2–1 in the final match, Gregorius and his teammates were knighted under the Order of Orange-Nassau, 5th class.[93] Since then, Gregorius' official title is "Sir", which he has incorporated into his Twitter handle.[94]

While working out to represent the Netherlands in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, Gregorius suffered a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, which kept him out of the tournament and much of spring training.[95] Gregorius played in the 2017 tournament, serving primarily as a designated hitter on a Dutch national team with an ample selection of MLB shortstops.[96] He hit well, batting .348 with one home run and eight RBIs, helping to take the Dutch team to the semifinals, before a hematoma of the subscapularis muscle in Gregorius' shoulder forced him to pull out of the tournament early.[97] He played for the Dutch in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and 2024 WBSC Premier12.[98][99] During the latter, he was named to the All-World Team as the best shortstop.[100] He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 European Championship, batting .321 with one home run in 6 games as the Netherlands won the tournament in Rotterdam.[101][102][103]

Gregorius was named to the Curaçao Suns roster in the 2024 Caribbean Series in Miami.[104]

Personal life

[edit]
Gregorius at a charity event in 2016

Gregorius adopted the nickname "Didi" in 2009, when his American teammates had trouble pronouncing the name "Mariekson". His father and brother also go by "Didi".[2] Gregorius, like many Curaçaoans, is fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento.[3] In his free time, he enjoys photography and drawing,[3] and he picked up tattooing when the COVID-19 pandemic paused the 2020 MLB season.[105]

While playing with the Yankees, Gregorius began to post "victory tweets" after every winning game, often accompanied by the hashtag "#startspreadingthenews".[106] These tweets would often incorporate specific emojis that Gregorius had assigned to various teammates.[107] Gregorius briefly stopped posting during the start of the 2019 season, while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, because he "didn't want to make [the wins] all about me", but resumed when he was activated from the injured list.[106] He continued the tradition after signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, telling reporters that he would "have new emojis" for his new teammates.[105]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Didi Gregorius

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mariekson Julius Gregorius, known professionally as , is a Dutch who played eleven seasons in (MLB) from 2012 to 2022, primarily with the New York Yankees, where he succeeded Hall of Famer at . Born on February 18, 1990, in , , and raised in , Gregorius is a left-handed batter and right-handed thrower who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. He has represented the national team in international competitions, earning accolades such as MVP of the 2025 , and currently plays for the in the Mexican League, where he was selected for the 2025 . Gregorius signed with the as an international free agent in 2007 after being scouted in a in , . His career began in 2008 with the Gulf Coast League Reds, where he struggled initially with a .155 , but he rebounded in 2009 with the , hitting .314 and earning Pioneer League All-Star honors. He made his MLB debut with the Reds on September 5, 2012, going 6-for-20 in 10 games. Traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks via the Cleveland Indians in December 2012, Gregorius established himself as a regular starter in 2013, batting .252 with 7 s and 28 RBIs in 103 games. Acquired by the New York Yankees in December 2014, he became a fan favorite in , known for his smooth defense and power hitting; his standout seasons included 2017 (.287 average, 25 s, 87 RBIs in 136 games) and 2018 (.268 average, 27 s, 86 RBIs in 134 games), contributing to three consecutive 20+ seasons from 2016 to 2018. Injuries, including a 2019 surgery on his right elbow, limited him to 82 games that year (.238 average, 16 home runs). Gregorius signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in December 2019, where he posted a .284 with 10 home runs in the shortened 2020 season but struggled in (.209 ) and (.210 ) amid knee and other injuries, leading to his release in August 2022. Over his MLB career, he appeared in 1077 games with a .257 , 134 home runs, 530 RBIs, and a .728 , while committing 94 errors at for a .977 . Post-MLB, he joined the in May 2023, batting .359 in 26 games that year, .262 in 74 games in 2024, and .288 in 50 games in 2025. Internationally, he batted .250 for the in the and .321 to win MVP at the 2025 .

Early life

Family background

Didi Gregorius was born on February 18, 1990, in , , to parents of Curaçaoan descent. His father, Johannes "Didi" Gregorius Sr., was a professional who competed in the Dutch Hoofdklasse league for teams including the Pirates and Nicols, and he played a key role in inspiring his son's early interest in . Gregorius Sr.'s career in the led to the family's presence in at the time of Didi's birth, though the family roots were deeply tied to . Gregorius's mother, Sheritsa Stroop, was a former player on the women's national team, contributing to a household immersed in athletic pursuits. The family included an older brother, Johannes "Johnny" Gregorius Jr., who also pursued a professional pitching career in and elsewhere. This athletic lineage fostered a strong emphasis on sports from a young age. Around the age of five, the family relocated from the to , , where Gregorius grew up surrounded by the island's vibrant culture. His early exposure to the sport came through informal family games and play on local fields, influenced by his father's and grandfather's involvement in . This environment laid the foundation for his passion for the game before transitioning to more organized youth .

Amateur baseball career

Gregorius began playing organized baseball in Curaçao after his family relocated there from the Netherlands when he was five years old. Motivated by his father's professional career as a pitcher in the Dutch Hoofdklasse, he progressed from tee-ball to competitive youth leagues, joining his first Little League team at age six and honing his defensive skills at shortstop. As a teenager, Gregorius traveled back to the Netherlands to compete in club baseball, where his athleticism and potential drew interest from Major League Baseball scouts. He impressed evaluators during a tournament in The Hague, showcasing strong fundamentals and a smooth left-handed swing. On August 6, 2007, at age 17, Gregorius signed with the as an international , recommended by area scout Jim Stoeckel who had identified his maturity and upside during evaluations in the Dutch leagues. The Reds offered a modest $50,000 , marking the end of his amateur career and the start of his professional journey in the United States.

Professional career

Cincinnati Reds organization (2007–2012)

Gregorius signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an undrafted free agent from Curaçao on August 6, 2007. He began his professional career in 2008 with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Reds, where he appeared in 31 games and batted .155 with no home runs. In 2009, Gregorius split time between the rookie-level Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League, where he batted .314 with 1 home run in 50 games, and the High-A Sarasota Reds of the Florida State League, hitting .254 in 22 games. His performance improved in 2010 at the Single-A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League, batting .273 with 5 home runs over 120 games, along with a brief stint at High-A where he hit .240 in 7 games. Gregorius advanced to Double-A in 2011, starting with the High-A (.303 average, 5 home runs in 46 games) before a midseason promotion to the , where he batted .270 with 2 home runs in 38 games. During his tenure, Gregorius emerged as a standout defensive , earning recognition for his strong throwing arm, which was rated the best in the Reds' organization in 2012. In 2012, he opened the season at Double-A with the , hitting .278 with 1 home run in 81 games, before earning a promotion to Triple-A , where he batted .243 with 6 home runs in 48 games. The Reds recalled Gregorius to the majors on September 1, 2012, and he made his MLB debut four days later on September 5 against the Philadelphia Phillies, entering as a defensive replacement. Gregorius recorded his first major league hit on September 9, 2012, an infield single against the Houston Astros. Over five minor league seasons with the Reds organization from 2008 to 2012, Gregorius played in 443 games, batting .263 with 20 home runs. On December 11, 2012, the Reds traded Gregorius, along with pitcher Tony Sipp and Lars Anderson, to the Diamondbacks as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Cleveland Indians; in exchange, Cincinnati acquired outfielder and infielder Jason Donald from the Indians.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2012–2014)

Gregorius was acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 11, 2012, in a three-team trade that also involved the and Indians; the Diamondbacks received Gregorius along with pitcher Tony Sipp and first baseman Lars Anderson, while sending pitcher and outfielder to the other teams. This move positioned him as a top prospect, building on his development in the Reds organization where he had shown strong defensive skills and emerging offensive potential. In 2013, Gregorius transitioned to an everyday role at shortstop for the Diamondbacks after a delayed start due to a right elbow injury—a slight ulnar collateral ligament strain—sustained while preparing for the World Baseball Classic with the Netherlands national team, which sidelined him through much of spring training. He debuted on April 18 and appeared in 103 games, batting .252 with 7 home runs and 28 RBIs, while posting a .332 on-base percentage and contributing solid defense with a .971 fielding percentage at the position. Later that season, he suffered a mild concussion on April 27 after being hit in the head by a pitch from Colorado Rockies pitcher Josh Outman, leading to a brief stint on the seven-day disabled list and limiting his at-bats further. Gregorius's 2014 season began with a to Triple-A Reno after a slow , but he was recalled on and went on to play 80 games for , hitting .226 with 6 home runs and 27 RBIs, along with a .290 . His defense remained a highlight, as he achieved a .983 fielding at —marking a notable improvement over the team's previous year—and committed only three errors in 274 chances, earning praise for his range and arm strength. On December 5, 2014, the Diamondbacks traded Gregorius to the New York Yankees in a three-team deal also involving the Tigers; received outfielder Peter O'Brien from New York and pitcher from , while the Tigers acquired pitcher from the Yankees. This transaction concluded his tenure with , where he had established himself as a reliable defensive with growing major league experience.

New York Yankees (2015–2019)

Gregorius joined the New York Yankees via a three-team trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 5, 2014, positioning him as the successor to longtime . In his debut season with the team, he signed a one-year pre-arbitration contract worth $553,900 and appeared in 155 games, batting .265 with 9 home runs and 56 RBIs while providing reliable defense at . His performance helped stabilize the infield during a transitional year for the Yankees, who finished second in the . In the Wild Card Game against the Houston Astros, Gregorius went 1-for-3 in his postseason debut. The following year, Gregorius secured a one-year deal for $2,425,000 and enjoyed a breakout campaign, hitting .276 with a career-high 20 home runs and 70 RBIs over 153 games. His improved power output contributed to the Yankees' 91-win season and their advancement to the Wild Card Game, though they fell to the Cleveland Indians. Gregorius did not appear in that postseason contest due to a minor forearm issue earlier in the year, but he remained a consistent everyday player. Entering 2017 on a one-year, $5.1 million contract, Gregorius faced an early setback with a right shoulder strain sustained during the , sidelining him for the first month of the season. Upon returning in May, he posted a .287 , 25 home runs—a personal best—and 87 RBIs in 136 games, finishing 20th in MVP voting. His offensive surge powered the Yankees to 91 victories and a Wild Card berth, where he excelled in the postseason with a .250 average, 3 home runs, and 7 RBIs across 13 games, including a pivotal two-homer performance in the Wild Card Game against the that propelled New York to the ALDS. In 2018, Gregorius signed for $8.5 million via and delivered another strong year at the plate, slashing .268/.335/.494 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs in 134 games despite missing time late in the season. A torn in his right from a slide in limited him to the final weeks of the regular season, but he returned for the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox, where he recorded 3 hits and contributed key RBIs, including a in Game 3 that scored a run. However, an sustained in Game 2 of that series required surgery in October, ending his year. Gregorius's final season with the Yankees came in 2019 under a one-year, $11.75 million deal, following his elbow recovery. He returned to the lineup in June after missing the first two months and batted .238 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs in 82 games, though a right shoulder contusion in August briefly interrupted his progress. In the postseason, he shone with a .273 average, 1 home run, and 6 RBIs over 9 games, highlighted by a grand slam in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Twins that fueled an 8-2 victory. Over his five years in New York, spanning 660 games, Gregorius compiled a .268 batting average, 97 home runs, and 360 RBIs while anchoring the shortstop position during a competitive era for the franchise.

Philadelphia Phillies (2020–2022)

Gregorius signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies as a on December 16, 2019, following his departure from the New York Yankees. The deal positioned him as the team's primary for the 2020 season, which was shortened to 60 games due to the . He made his Phillies debut on July 23, 2020, and appeared in all 60 games, posting a .284 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs while providing solid defense at . Impressed by his performance, the Phillies re-signed Gregorius to a two-year, $28 million extension on February 10, 2021, securing him through the 2022 season with a $1.5 million deferred until 2024–2026. However, his 2021 campaign was hampered by a right impingement that landed him on the 10-day on May 1; he returned shortly after but played in only 103 games overall, batting .209 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. The injury, unrelated to his prior 2018 Tommy John surgery, contributed to a decline in power and consistency at the plate. In 2022, Gregorius continued to struggle with health issues, including a knee injury that limited him to 63 games, where he hit .210 with just 1 home run and 19 RBIs. His reduced production and the emergence of younger infielders like prompted the Phillies to designate him for assignment and release him on August 4, , to make room for the return of Jean from the . Over his three seasons with , Gregorius appeared in 226 games, batting .230 with 24 home runs and 113 RBIs, a step down from his peak years but still offering veteran leadership during the team's surprising run to the —though he observed their postseason success from outside the .

Post-MLB stints (2023–present)

Following his release from the Philadelphia Phillies in August 2022, Gregorius entered free agency and sought opportunities to continue his professional career outside . On May 2, 2023, Gregorius signed with the of the Mexican League (LMB). In 26 games for the team that season, he batted .359 with 11 home runs, 34 RBIs, a .431 , and a .777 , showcasing strong power production in limited action. He departed the club on June 8, 2023, after being released to pursue another opportunity. That same day, Gregorius agreed to a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners, which included a $1.5 million salary should he reach the major leagues, along with performance bonuses. Assigned to the Triple-A of the , he appeared in 25 games, batting .192 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs, hampered by a .282 and .337 amid visa-related delays in joining the team. The Mariners released him later that summer, concluding his brief affiliation with the organization. Gregorius returned to the on April 11, 2024, for a second stint with the club. Over 75 games, he hit .262 with 7 home runs and 43 RBIs, posting a .363 and .410 while providing steady defense at . His performance earned him a selection to the Mexican League Norte on May 24, 2024, where he represented the Northern Division. Gregorius remained with the for the 2025 season, activated from the reserve list on April 17. In 50 games as of November 2025, he batted .288 with 2 home runs and 23 RBIs, along with a .346 and .389 . He was selected for the Mexican League Norte All-Star Game, announced on June 18, 2025. Across his three seasons in the Mexican League (2023, 2024, and 2025), Gregorius appeared in 151 games, batting .291 with 20 home runs and 100 RBIs, demonstrating sustained productivity in independent professional baseball.

International career

Youth representations

Gregorius, born in Amsterdam to a Dutch father and Curaçaoan mother, possessed dual eligibility for international baseball representation due to his birth in the Netherlands and his upbringing in Curaçao after the age of five. Despite his Curaçao roots, he committed to the Netherlands federation, leveraging his Dutch citizenship to play for the Kingdom of the Netherlands national team throughout his career. His family background further highlighted this connection, as his father and brother represented the Netherlands Antilles in international play, including the 2009 Baseball World Cup. At age 17, Gregorius participated in the Kingdom Games, an under-18 tournament in featuring top youth talent from the , , and . Although sources indicate he played for the team in this event, his standout defensive performances at —demonstrating exceptional range, a strong arm, and quick reflexes—drew significant attention from MLB scouts, including international scout Jim Stoeckel. Stoeckel, familiar with Gregorius's father from earlier Dutch leagues, arranged a private workout where the young also showcased his left-handed hitting and even pitched at 90-92 mph, solidifying his maturity and versatility. These early international youth appearances marked the beginning of heightened MLB interest in Gregorius, culminating in his signing as an amateur free agent with the Reds in October 2007 for a $50,000 bonus. His ability to perform under pressure in such tournaments foreshadowed his future contributions to the senior team, where he would go on to compete in major events like the .

Senior career

Gregorius began representing the on the senior international stage in 2009, appearing in the where he recorded a .273 over six games. Although selected for the roster, he was forced to withdraw due to a strained in his throwing elbow sustained during preparations. His debut in the came in 2017, where he batted .348 with one and eight RBIs across six games, earning All-Tournament honors as the advanced to the semifinals before falling to . He sustained a right strain during an in that tournament but returned for the Yankees' season opener shortly after. Gregorius continued his international contributions in subsequent years, shifting roles as needed while maintaining strong defensive play at . In the , he primarily served as a and , posting a .250 with three RBIs in limited action as the team exited in the pool stage. That summer at the in , , he drew nine walks for a .464 despite a .211 average, contributing seven runs scored and earning Outstanding Defensive Player honors en route to a finish. Later in 2024, during the Premier12 tournament in , Gregorius excelled with a .500 average, including 11 hits, two leadoff home runs, and a .818 , securing All-World Team recognition at as the qualified for the . In 2025, Gregorius played for the squad at the held in the from July 7–13, batting .321 with one and five runs scored over six games to lead the team to the gold in a 6–5 final victory over . His performance earned him Tournament MVP honors, the first for a Dutch shortstop since 2016, highlighting his leadership and mentorship of younger players amid a 25th European title for the . Across more than 40 senior international appearances, Gregorius has maintained a career .295 , solidifying his status as a cornerstone of Dutch baseball on the global stage.

Personal life

Gregorius resides in a one-story house in , , where he grew up and shares the home with his mother, Sheritsa Stroop, as of 2017. He is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, Dutch, and . Gregorius maintains a private personal life but has expressed interests in art, music, and video gaming. In 2019, a named Nicole sued Gregorius for and of their , born in early 2019. A court ordered Gregorius to pay $15,000 per month in as of April 2021. No public information is available on his or current relationships.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/didi-gregorius-544369
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gregodi01.shtml
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Didi_Gregorius
  4. https://www.milb.com/player/didi-gregorius-544369
  5. https://worldbaseball.com/2025-liga-mexicana-de-beisbol-all-star-game-rosters-and-coaching-staffs-announced/
  6. https://www.mlb.com/news/didi-gregorius-developing-into-elite-hitter-c272517142
  7. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/31376/didi-gregorius
  8. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37083439/mlb-veteran-ss-didi-gregorius-signs-mexican-league-team
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Didi_Gregorius_Sr.
  10. https://nypost.com/2014/12/09/didi-gregorius-first-words-as-a-yankee-from-where-it-all-began/
  11. https://www.si.com/mlb/2016/05/25/didi-gregorius-yankees-derek-jeter-curacao
  12. https://www.mlb.com/news/yanks-gregorius-never-far-from-curacao-roots-c235186324
  13. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2022/1/9/22874931/didi-part-1-the-kid
  14. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2007-transactions.shtml
  15. https://www.mlb.com/news/scout-saw-maturity-in-didi-gregorius-c274677678
  16. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/11457/didi-gregorius
  17. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=gregodi01
  18. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gregor003mar
  19. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/6136-didi-gregorius/
  20. https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-acquire-didi-gregorius-tony-sipp-and-lars-anderson-in-three-team-deal/c-40619290
  21. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8738415/shin-soo-choo-acquired-cincinnati-reds-three-team-deal-involving-cleveland-indians-arizona-diamondbacks
  22. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2012/12/12/3757388/traver-bauer-trade-didi-gregorius-tony-sipp-diamondbacks
  23. https://www.espn.com/mlb/spring2013/story/_/id/8940638/didi-gregorius-arizona-diamondbacks-elbow-injury
  24. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/didi-gregorius-moved-to-7-day-dl/
  25. https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/didi-gregorius-with-the-d-backs-by-the-numbers/31375/
  26. https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-acquire-shortstop-didi-gregorius-from-arizona-in-three-team-trade/c-103274988
  27. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18959743/didi-gregorius-miss-new-york-yankees-opening-weeks-shoulder-injury
  28. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24966855/new-york-yankees-ss-didi-gregorius-tommy-john-surgery
  29. https://www.mlb.com/news/didi-gregorius-grand-slam-vs-twins
  30. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/didi-gregorius-yankees-stats
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-sign-didi-gregorius
  32. https://www.fangraphs.com/players/didi-gregorius/6012/stats?position=SS
  33. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30805998/didi-gregorius-philadelphia-phillies-agree-2-year-28-million-deal-source-says
  34. https://www.trentonian.com/2021/05/15/gregorius-swollen-elbow-a-bit-of-a-puzzle-for-the-phillies-shortstop/
  35. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34346851/philadelphia-phillies-release-didi-gregorius-jean-segura-returns-injury
  36. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/didi-gregorius-phillies
  37. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/didi-gregorius-signs-with-mexican-leagues-algodoneros-de-union-laguna.html
  38. https://www.mlb.com/news/didi-gregorius-mariners-deal
  39. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37821542/mariners-sign-veteran-ss-didi-gregorius-minor-league-deal
  40. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-42970868
  41. https://www.mlb.com/news/didi-gregorius-leads-netherlands-in-wbc-2017-c219926666
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/sports/baseball/didi-gregorius-world-baseball-classic.html
  43. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/2025_European_Championship
  44. https://www.mlb.com/news/standout-players-at-european-baseball-championship-2025
  45. https://www.brilliant-insane.com/didi-gregorius-wife/
  46. https://www.nydailynews.com/2021/04/10/former-yankees-shortstop-didi-gregorius-paying-15k-per-month-in-child-support-to-florida-mom-who-sued-him-demanding-sole-custody/
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