MLB Rumors: Phillies Still ‘Open on’ Trading Alec Bohm, Upgrading Third Base
As the offseason continues to unfold, the Philadelphia Phillies have found themselves in a curious position regarding their third baseman, Alec Bohm. While the team’s core remains largely intact, rumors have surfaced indicating that the Phillies may still be open to moving the young slugger, despite his promising potential. The talk surrounding Bohm’s future with the club has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about the Phillies’ desire to upgrade at third base, especially as they look to strengthen their roster for another potential postseason run.
Bohm, who was drafted by the Phillies as the third overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, has experienced both highs and lows during his time in Philadelphia. He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, but inconsistent performance and defensive struggles have made him a point of contention among the Phillies’ front office and fanbase. Now, as the Phillies continue to fine-tune their roster, the possibility of trading Bohm is very much on the table.
Bohm’s Journey with the Phillies
Alec Bohm’s career with the Phillies began with considerable fanfare. As one of the most highly touted prospects in the organization, he was expected to step into the third base role and provide both offensive power and solid defense. His bat, which had shown promise in the minors, made an immediate impact during his call-up to the majors in 2020, as he posted a solid .338 batting average over 44 games. His ability to make contact and get on base made him a key part of the Phillies’ lineup early on.
However, as time has gone on, Bohm’s performances have been more inconsistent. While his offensive numbers have remained respectable, particularly in 2022 when he posted a .280 batting average and 13 home runs, his defense has remained a significant area of concern. Despite his strong work ethic and flashes of improvement, Bohm’s struggles with handling ground balls and making clean throws across the diamond have led to questions about his future at the hot corner.
In 2023, Bohm seemed to take a step forward in his overall game. His batting average remained solid, and his offensive production showed growth, especially in terms of hitting for average and getting on base. But his defense remained an issue, and that has led many to wonder if the Phillies are willing to live with his struggles at third base for the long haul, or if they’d prefer to upgrade at the position.
Rumors Surface About a Potential Trade
Despite Bohm’s offensive potential, the Phillies appear to be keeping their options open when it comes to their third base situation. According to various MLB sources, the team has not ruled out the possibility of trading Alec Bohm, especially if it means acquiring a more reliable and stable option at third base. As of late, the Phillies have reportedly been “open” to trading Bohm if the right deal comes along, though they have not actively been shopping him.
The Phillies’ front office has made it clear that they are committed to winning now, and with a window of opportunity that is wide open, they are looking to improve at positions of need. Third base is one of those areas where they may seek an upgrade, as the team has already demonstrated their willingness to make moves to enhance their lineup and defense.
While the Phillies have not yet made a trade involving Bohm, the rumors reflect the team’s commitment to maximizing its chances of winning a World Series. It’s no secret that the team has long coveted a more stable and defensively adept third baseman, and with Bohm’s value at a crossroads, now could be the time to explore potential deals.
Why Would the Phillies Trade Bohm?
Several factors play into the rumors surrounding Bohm’s potential trade. First and foremost, the Phillies are looking to build a championship-caliber roster, and they may feel that they need to upgrade at third base in order to compete with other top teams in the National League. While Bohm has shown improvements at the plate, his defense remains a notable weakness. In a postseason setting, where every play counts, the Phillies may not feel that they can afford to rely on a third baseman who has had consistency issues in the field.
Secondly, the Phillies have a number of prospects and other options who could play a role in the future of their infield. If the team believes that Bohm’s trade value is at a peak, now might be the right time to move him in order to bring back a more established third baseman or bolster other areas of the team. The Phillies are reportedly keeping tabs on a variety of available players in the trade market, and if a potential deal for a high-caliber third baseman arises, Bohm could be used as a key piece in that trade.
Additionally, with other players on the roster such as Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa providing flexibility in the infield, the Phillies may feel that they can move Bohm without disrupting the overall balance of the lineup. The team has shown interest in upgrading both their offense and defense, and moving Bohm could be part of a larger strategy to improve their chances of winning it all.
Potential Third Base Upgrades
If the Phillies are indeed looking to upgrade at third base, there are a number of names that could be on their radar. One of the most immediate and high-profile targets would be Matt Chapman of the Toronto Blue Jays. Chapman, known for his elite defensive abilities and solid bat, could be the perfect fit for the Phillies’ lineup. He has the potential to provide a significant upgrade both offensively and defensively, as he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in the game.
Other potential trade targets could include veteran third basemen like Justin Turner or Eduardo Escobar, both of whom offer reliability and experience at the position. Turner, in particular, has been known for his clutch postseason performances and could provide the Phillies with the stability they need at the hot corner.
Another possibility could be moving Bohm for a more versatile player, who could be used both at third base and across the infield, adding depth to the roster. Players like Josh Donaldson, who has experience with both power and defense at third, or someone like J.D. Davis, who can play multiple positions, could be part of the Phillies’ plans to enhance their overall roster depth.
What’s Next for Alec Bohm?
As the rumors swirl, the future of Alec Bohm in Philadelphia remains uncertain. It’s clear that the Phillies are exploring all options, and if the right opportunity presents itself, they could decide that trading Bohm is in the best interest of the team. However, the Phillies also recognize that Bohm still has the potential to develop into a key player for the franchise, particularly if he can continue to improve defensively.
At the end of the day, the decision on Bohm’s future likely hinges on whether the Phillies believe they can win with him at third base or if a trade for an upgrade is the best route to take. Whether they move him or not, one thing is certain: the Phillies are serious about winning now, and they are exploring every avenue to make that happen.
As the offseason progresses, fans of the Phillies will be closely watching to see if Alec Bohm’s name remains in the lineup or if he becomes part of a trade package that brings in a new face at third base. Either way, the team’s commitment to improving their roster is clear, and the speculation surrounding Bohm’s future is only adding to the intrigue of what promises to be an exciting and action-packed offseason for the Phillies.
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