The Phillies followed the Sixers lead and turned back the clock Thursday when they signed their new third baseman.
The team and Placido Polanco agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal, officially ending Pedro Feliz’s tenure in Philly.
“I never wanted to leave. I always wanted to be here,” Polanco said.
Polanco, a second baseman by trade, joined the Phillies in 2002 as part of the Scott Rolen trade. He left in 2005 when the emergence of Chase Utley made him expendable.
“He’s a professional hitter who will enhance our lineup,” said Phils GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. “As a Gold Glove infielder, we’re very confident that he will make a smooth transition back to third base.”