The Phillies have a growing problem at third base, and Alec Bohm might be on the move because of it. Bohm’s hitting just .258/.301/.348 with two homers, 13 RBI and a disappointing .650 OPS this season.
It’s a significant drop-off for a player who was an All-Star caliber talent last year. Now, Philadelphia seems to be weighing their options, including potentially shipping Bohm elsewhere to clear a path for a more productive third baseman.
Zac Hereth of Seattle Sports floated an interesting possibility: sending Bohm to the Mariners at the trade deadline. It’s a move that could benefit both clubs.
Seattle’s been desperate for offensive firepower for years. Their pitching staff ranks among baseball’s best, but their lineup has consistently held them back.
“The emergence of Ben Williamson at third base has been huge for the Mariners, but there’s a good chance the rookie will go through a prolonged slump at some point. Bohm, who is under club control through 2026, would give the M’s an insurance policy for Williamson and a potential answer at first base for this year and next year,” Hereth writes.
When Bohm’s right, he brings legitimate pop from the right side. His defense has never been his calling card, but his bat can more than compensate when he’s producing. That’s the problem in 2024 – he hasn’t been.
The contrast with last season is stark. In 2023, Bohm hit .280/.332/.448 with 15 home runs, 97 RBI, a .779 OPS and accumulated 3.0 WAR. Those are the numbers of a cornerstone player, not someone on the trade block.
For Seattle, acquiring Bohm would add a potential middle-of-the-order bat with multiple years of team control. For Philadelphia, it would create an opening to pursue a bigger fish – perhaps someone like Nolan Arenado if the Cardinals decide to sell.
The Phillies aren’t hiding their championship aspirations. They’ve spent big and built a roster that’s expected to contend. If Bohm continues to struggle, don’t be surprised if they make a significant move at the hot corner before the trade deadline.
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is Bohm’s age (27) and contract status. He’s still young enough to turn things around, and he’s under team control through 2026. That’s why, despite his struggles, he’d still bring back real value in a trade.
The next few weeks will be telling. If Bohm can’t rediscover his 2023 form, the Phillies might decide they can’t wait any longer for a position that’s crucial to their championship hopes.
