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Despite an impressive 2024 season that earned him a spot on the NL All-Star team, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm could be playing for a new team next year.
According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the Phillies are exploring trades for Bohm as part of their plan to revamp the roster following a disappointing playoff loss to the New York Mets.
The Phillies lack an obvious in-house replacement for Bohm at third base, but trading him could free up resources to pursue another significant addition.
Phillies owner John Middleton recently stated at the GM meetings that he is willing to exceed the competitive balance tax threshold “for the right player.” Philadelphia currently projects to have $266.5 million in payroll commitments next season, well above the $241 million tax threshold.
Under MLB rules, clubs face escalating surcharges for exceeding the tax threshold by specific amounts. The Phillies could potentially face significant penalties if they continue to add high-priced players.
Bohm enjoyed a stellar first half of the 2024 season, slashing .275/.319/.468 with 11 homers across 94 games. His remarkable performance earned him an 11th-place ranking among all NL players in FanGraphs’ wins above replacement (WAR) with a 2.9 mark.
However, his second half was less productive as he battled a left hand injury, hitting .251/.299/.382 in 49 games.
The overall decline in performance after the All-Star break mirrored the struggles of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team that looked unstoppable with a 62-34 record and a +110 run differential in the first half faltered, finishing the season .500 (33-33) with a +3 run differential.
While Bohm’s value may be at its peak right now, entering his second year of arbitration with projected salary of $8.1 million, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski might see an opportunity to capitalize on this high demand and potentially acquire valuable assets to further improve the team.
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