Alec BoehmAvailability on the trading market isn't exactly a secret. The former No. 3 overall pick and current Phillies third baseman has been a starter in Philadelphia since 2020, but the Phils are looking for ways to bolster a group of position players that hasn't performed as expected. They have reportedly shown interest in both Alex Bregman And Willy Adames in free agency. You will certainly be bound to it Nolan Arenado on the trade market at next week's winter meetings.
The 28-year-old Bohm is certainly not a bad player or even a below-average hitter. However, he has been only slightly better than average over the past three years (106 wRC+), and while his 2024 season initially looked like a potential breakout season, he cooled off after a dominant April, posting a slump of .258/.303/ .410 the route (96 wRC+). He made some progress with the glove this year, but had performed as a poor defender in each of his previous MLB campaigns.
More important to Bohm's trade candidacy is the simple fact that he is tradeable in a way that many of the Phillies' other hitters are not. No one is taking on the last two years and $40 million Nick Castellanos' contract, unless the Phillies take back a similarly unenviable contract. Bryce Harper And Trea Turner aren't going anywhere – not if their two massive contracts include full no-trade protection (and if both are also important cogs in the lineup). Kyle Schwarber And JT Realmuto don't have the same no-trade protection, but both are in the final seasons of significant multi-year deals. Schwarber was the team's second-best hitter behind Harper. Realmuto offers a good bat at a thin position where the market offers little to no opportunity to replace his production.
Bohm isn't the only Phillie likely in the conversation. Any of Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Bryson Stott or Ranger Suárez could also be interesting for other clubs. None of the group is under long-term contract. But Bohm best examines the combination of criteria that make him a trade candidate: waning club control (arb-eligible through 2026), productive output, plays a position that Philadelphia can fill with financial resources that some interested partners lack. Bohm alone probably won't give the Phillies the high-end closer they want, but he could be moved for some level of bullpen support or controllable/optional rotation depth – another area where the Phillies are lacking.
Let's go through some speculative adjustments based on rival clubs' roster requirements and salary situation:
Clear fit
Angel: The Halos pay Anthony Rendon for another two years, but can't expect him to stay in the lineup or produce at this point. Bohm offers you a more reliable and probably more productive option. He could also platoon with Nolan Schanuel at first base when the Angels face a strong left-handed hitter, or they move there full-time when Rendon is healthy but Schanuel is experiencing growing pains. The Angels' farm system isn't good, but they have a lot of optional, unproven young starters on a 40-man roster that also has added veterans Yusei Kikuchi And Kyle Hendricks in free agency this offseason.
Astros: The priority is Bregman, but the Astros will have to do everything they've never done under owner Jim Crane to keep their longtime third baseman. If Bregman signs elsewhere, Houston could focus on that Willy Adames …unless he signs before Bregman, of course. They have reportedly considered various contingencies including an out-the-box option in the veteran second baseman Jorge Polanco. Bohm fits easier. The Astros have some rotation and outfield depth, both in the form of young players with MLB experience and names from the upper minors who could make their debuts in 2025.
Blue jay: The Jays are in the Juan Soto Hunt, but overall they're just about bolstering an offense that lacked depth and quality bats last season. If Bohm were Toronto's most important acquisition in that sense, it would be a disappointment for Jays fans. If he's one of two or three new signings, things look more palatable. Toronto has been toying with the idea of giving something Vladimir Guerrero Jr. More time at third base next year and has been linked to both Bregman And Adames. They are clearly open to improvements in the infield. Ernie Clement and perspectives Orelvis Martinez, Will Wagner And Addison Barger are currently the main options in the hot corner. There is little expendable rotation and bullpen depth in Toronto, which could be a hindrance here.
Brewer: The Brewers will not re-sign Adames at market value. They are fortunate to have two shortstop-caliber infielders elsewhere on the diamond at third baseman Joey Ortiz and Platinum Glove winner Brice Turang. Moving Turang to another position after that Platinum Glove could be a possibility, but Ortiz could slide from third base to shortstop, freeing the Brewers to look for more offense at third base. Bohm's salary is modest enough that the Brewers could handle it. It will be natural bohm/Devin Williams Speculation has both of them as trade candidates, but the Brewers have some younger arms they could dangle if they prefer not to move off the big league roster.
Sailors: The Mariners are working on a limited budget this offseason and are looking to add first base and one of third or second base (probably the former). Bohm isn't the big power hitter the M's would likely prefer, but that may not be available to them if the front office isn't willing to trade up from a vaunted big league rotation, and if the owners actually aren't are willing to significantly increase last year's payroll. Bohm would at least achieve the team's ongoing goal of reducing its strikeout rate. However, there are probably good reasons to be cautious if the Mariners sign a quality hitter and hope he can maintain or improve his performance at T-Mobile Park. Nearly every veteran slugger the Mariners have acquired/signed in recent years has had the worst season of their career (e.g Jorge Polanco, Mitch Garver, Kolten Wong, Teoscar Hernandez, Jesse Winker).
Royals: The Royals quickly moved on to a new signing Michael Wacha and have since focused on improving the range. Shipment Brady Singer to Cincinnati in exchange for Jonathan India gave them a contact and OBP driven leadoff option to move to the top of the lineup. Bohm resembles India in many ways as an outgoing batsman with mixed reputation as a defensive player and average hitting power. He's not necessarily that Impact bat the Royals are looking forbut he would add another solid veteran to a lineup that's all about putting the ball in play. They reportedly did has already expressed interest in Bohm. Kansas City is a good trade partner as it could provide the Phils with much-needed option rotation depth. Current third baseman Maikel Garcia is a light hitter but a plus defender who could thrive in a utility role (or could be attractive to teams looking for affordable shortstop support).
Tiger: Detroit is not seeded at either infield corner. The hope is that the former No. 1 will be chosen Spencer Torkelson can still establish himself as a consistent power threat at first base, but that hasn't happened yet. At third base, the Tigers are considering a combination Matt Vierling, Zach McKinstry, Andy Ibanez and top view Jace Jung. The last option in particular raises high hopes, but is far from certain. The Tigers could acquire Bohm as both a solid option at third base and as a backup at first base in the event of Torkelson's continued struggles. His addition would also theoretically make it easier to trade Jung in a package for a significant player in another area of need, such as the rotation or left field.
Yankees: Assuming a move is planned Jazz Chisholm Jr. Back to second base: The Yankees don't have a clear answer at third base next year. DJ LeMahieu does not age well. Younger players like Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera And Jorbit Vivas still have to establish themselves. Bohm's salary would be an affordable addition – of particular importance if the Yankees end up re-signing Soto – and his contact skills would be different from a Yankees roster that features a lot of swing-and-miss in the middle of the order.
Longer recordings
It's entirely possible that other trading options will become available as more out-of-season dominoes fall. There has been a lot of speculation about the deal with the Red Sox Triston Casas to add some pitching and also facilitate a transition from third base to first base Rafael Devers. In this scenario, Bohm could emerge as a third base option for Boston. The Pirates could consider Bohm if they miss other targets at first base. If the Phils are willing to do business within their own division – perhaps a long shot for this reason – the Mets could make sense if Pete Alonso leaves and Mark Vientos slides to first base. The Nats could view Bohm as an affordable candidate to keep third base warm as a prospect Brady House before sliding to first base. If the A's push through on free agents, they could consider the trade market as a way to earn a little more salary and ensure they can maintain their revenue-sharing status. The Reds have a crowded mix of young infielders but lack established contributors. Bohm could fit in as Cincinnati's successor there Jonathan India-for-Brady Singer Trade, but an outfield bat seems to be a cleaner fit.