Former Yankee Didi Gregorius lands with AL contender after Mexican League dominance

We love when former New York Yankees land on their feet after a rough stretch, don't we?! Unless, of course, they go to a rival. But in this case, it's all good fun as Didi Gregorius found a home in MLB for the first time since leaving the Phillies in August of last year.

Fans have since seen Gregorius surface at the World Baseball Classic when he played for the Netherlands alongside Xander Bogaerts and most recently in the Mexican League, where he's absolutely been tearing it up.

On Thursday, we learned, per reports, that he signed a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners. Though the M's are having a bit of a rough go at the moment with their 30-31 record, they're still a threat to make a World Series run given their talented roster.

Perhaps this decision was to put some pressure on struggling infielders Kolten Wong and JP Crawford, both of whom have been particularly bad in 2023, with Wong arguably being unplayable (25 OPS+).

Gregorius just logged some second base reps in the Dominican Winter League this offseason for the first time since 2014 so ... you never know. He also played first base for the Netherlands during the WBC.

Former Yankee Didi Gregorius signs with Mariners after Mexican League tear

Maybe he's rediscovered his stroke. His 12 at-bats during the WBC weren't enough to judge him, but his 11 homers in 26 Mexican League games? That's something. Not exactly indicative of what's to come, but it's a positive sign after many thought he was dead in the water.

His last serviceable campaign came during the shortened 2020 season with the the Phillies, the year after the Yankees let him go. Didi hit .284 with an .827 OPS and 120 OPS+ in all 60 games, but then was held back by injuries and lackluster play in 2021 and 2022.

Wholesome stuff now that Gregorius is back in MLB for now. He was a Yankees fan-favorite and the complexion of this team from 2020-2022 could've been a lot different if he was the starting shortstop instead of Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Feast on the Astros and Rangers if you get the chance, Didi!