Players highlighted in the “Make Or Break” feature normally fall into one of a few familiar categories. Sometimes it’s a former star prospect running out of chances to prove they belong in the majors, or perhaps it’s an established star trying to bounce back after a down year or two, or maybe it’s a veteran trying to get their career on track after an extended injury absence.
Alec Bohm doesn’t exactly fit any of these models. In fact, one could argue Bohm has already been “made” in the sense that he was an All-Star in 2024, and is coming off four seasons as the Phillies’ top choice at third base (as well as a part-time first baseman), with 8.0 fWAR to show for his 560 games and 2352 plate appearances from 2022-25. He has an above-average 105 wRC+ at the plate over those four seasons, and Bohm’s third base glovework has improved from terrible to at least palatable, and even pretty good depending on the metric of choice.
This is the track record of a solid, Major League-caliber player, and it’s a resume that Bohm is rightfully proud of achieving. “You look at it in the grand scheme of things, out of all the players, a very small number that have ever played in the big leagues, there’s not a lot of them that get to arbitration,” Bohm recently told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “Then the list gets even smaller of those who get to arbitration, get to free agency. Then the list gets even smaller when you talk about guys who get to 10 years and beyond.”
“When you kind of zoom out and look at it from a different perspective, I’ve done a lot of great things. I’ve had a pretty good career for myself, made it a lot further than a lot of people can say. I’m definitely proud of that, and want to keep building on it.”
Bohm’s issue, in some ways, is a matter of framing. Bohm can be described as a decent or okay player…or as “just a” decent or okay player. The Phillies haven’t really been hurt by having Bohm take a regular spot in their lineup, nor is he at fault for the team’s inability to get over the hump for a World Series championship. (Bohm’s .225/.327/.333 slash line over 150 postseason plate appearances isn’t good, but he is far from the only Philadelphia hitter to struggle in the playoffs.)
Because Bohm’s production has always evened out to roughly average, however, it creates the sense that the Phillies could do better at the hot corner. It also doesn’t help that Bohm’s perception that he was a top prospect and the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. Though Rosenthal notes that Bohm’s production has bettered a lot of other prominent names from that draft class, the infielder is (rightly or wrongly) a victim of the high expectations that come with being a top draft choice. In a sense, Bohm represents a larger issue clouding this otherwise successful run of Phillies baseball — the team hasn’t gotten much from its farm system, as the roster has been built most around free agents and trades.
Along these same lines, Bohm has been the subject of trade rumors for the better part of two years. Bohm’s 3.4 fWAR season in 2024 was the best of his career, as he had a 113 wRC+ from hitting .280/.332/.448 with 15 homers over 606 PA, and he also delivered +4 Outs Above Average as a third baseman. The down side of his career year was that Bohm slumped badly after the All-Star break, and the Phillies’ response to this breakout campaign was to shop Bohm to address other needs.
Such teams as the Athletics, Mariners, Royals, Angels, and White Sox were all linked to Bohm-related rumors in the 2024-25 offseason, with the idea being that the Phils would move Bohm and then sign one of Alex Bregman or Willy Adames to play third base. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was at least aiming high in shopping Bohm offers, and perhaps too high — reports indicated that George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Mason Miller, and Garrett Crochet were some of the players the Phillies wanted in return for trade packages involving Bohm.
There weren’t as many public reports about Bohm’s market this offseason, maybe in part because Bohm’s production dropped to a 105 wRC+ (.287/.331/.409 with 11 homers over 464 PA) and he was limited to 120 games due to a left rib fracture and shoulder inflammation. Philadelphia was again looking to upgrade at third base, coming just short of signing Bo Bichette in a scenario that would’ve turned Bohm into an obvious trade chip for the remainder of the winter.
Going forward, top prospect Aidan Miller is expected to make his MLB debut at some point in 2026, and then step into an everyday role at either second or third base in 2027. This puts pressure on second baseman Bryson Stott for one, but it’s a more direct threat to Bohm since he is slated to become a free agent next offseason. As Rosenthal puts it, “at this point, perhaps even more than before, Bohm is playing for the other 29 teams.” There’s even a non-zero chance Bohm could be dealt in-season depending on how the Phillies feel about Miller’s ability to immediately contribute in the majors.
For his part, Bohm hasn’t been worried about the trade speculation or his impending free agency, saying he is just concerned about playing. “I don’t really take any of it personally, think too far into it. It’s all out of my control. I can’t do anything to prevent it….I don’t stew over it. It’s just part of the business side of it,” Bohm said.
A midseason trade would make Bohm ineligible for the qualifying offer, so that would remove any draft compensation from his free agent case. Assuming Bohm remains a Phillie throughout 2026, a qualifying offer could be a moot point anyway, as it would probably take a huge jump in production for Philadelphia to even consider issuing Bohm a QO. If Bohm delivers his usual type of season, there’s a decent chance he’d just accept the offer and take a big one-year payday (this year’s QO was worth $22.025MM) rather than deal with both the vagaries of his own market, plus the added uncertainty of how the inevitable lockout will interrupt the 2026-27 offseason. Adding a $22MM-ish salary to an already hefty payroll likely isn’t in the Phillies’ interest, when Miller could just take over at third base for a minimum salary.
Qualifying offer aside, Bohm is the type of mid-tier free agent we’ve seen get squeezed by the market in the past. Teams without much payroll room might feel they can more or less replicate Bohm’s production with a cheaper veteran or maybe two platoon options. Bigger-spending teams could take the Phillies’ approach and seek for more prominent names at third base, with Bohm then becoming a fallback option at most. Between the lockout and potential changes made in a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams may not be likely to make an early commitment to a mid-level player like Bohm until they know exactly how baseball’s business structure will change.
The easiest way for Bohm to change the narrative, of course, is to have a terrific 2026 season. He needs to hit better against right-handed pitching and keep more consistent over the course of a full year, and while this is naturally easier said that done, we’ve seen flashes of how good Bohm can be when he’s been in the midst of one of his hot streaks. Again, it isn’t as if Bohm is a bad player — his hard-hit ball rates are solid, and he is borderline excellent at making contact and avoiding strikeouts. Bumping his walk and barrel rates even up to average levels would make Bohm a more dangerous threat at the plate.
Bohm turns 30 in August, and he could benefit from a fairly thin class of free agent third basemen next winter. Teams have shown they’ll pay for star-level production or even star-level potential, but it’s a trickier free agent environment for players like Bohm who have a decently high floor but a seemingly limited ceiling. A two-year deal (maybe three years max) of roughly $10MM in average annual value seems plausible for the 2024 version of Bohm, so he’ll need to at least top those numbers to avoid fielding a slate of one-year, prove-it type of offers next winter.
A lot of people still remember Bohm’s 2022 comments that he “——ing hates this place.”
But we loved him for it.
Not sure what you mean by your comment but in Philly they remember it in a positive way. It actually helped his career.
New meaning to the phrase throwing out an eff Bohm
It makes sense that in Philly they remember it in a positive wasly… everyone in that city feels the same way
One break, coming up
Nice Van Halen reference.
Weird stuff for a 29 y/o pro sports person to say. But it seems like he’s a realist and knows he is not a great baseball player, and has benefited from circumstance.
i think it is because he has been a part of rumors for a little over a year. he has long since come to terms with playing without a true long term future in place, and might just be prepared for a long journeyman type of career in the case that he doesnt prove to be more than around league average
If you make it to the Major Leagues you are a great ballplayer. You earn a starting spot, make an all star team, and have an above average offensive line and you are a great ball player.
Compared to his peers, who are all great players, he’s not great.
But he’s right. He’s had an incredible career just to get and stay in MLB.
As the article stated, his problem is his cost relative to the anticipated production. In earlier years, he was cheap and there was the hope of a breakout year that hasn’t arrived.
All-Star, more RBIs than Bryce Harper three of the last four seasons. Zero respect from his own front office, which isn’t surprising given that Dombrowski likes to buy the shiny new toys and finish in the same position year after year.
Citing “more RBIs than Bryce Harper three of the last four seasons” due in part that Harper is getting on base often in front of Bohm so Bohm can drive him in.
If you’re still using RBI as a significant evaluation of player value, you’re well behind the times.
In order to score runs, one must also be there to drive them in…which indicates some aptitude at clutch hitting. It’s a real stat, almost as old as baseball itself.
Ah, yes, let’s only use a made-up, stats with a subjective components like WAR, then? Matt Shaw, who hit .226/13/44 for the Cubs in 393 AB; had the same 3.1 bWAR as Bryce Haper, despite Harper outperforming him in every offensive category except for SB. Oh, and Harper also outfielded Shaw as well. Real stats still matter.
Who decides what are “real stats” and which ones aren’t? Every stat is made up, and older doesn’t necessarily equal better.
So here’s the thing. Harper plays 1B. Shaw 3B. Shaw, despite your comments, put up positive defensive numbers at 3B. Harper put up negative defensive numbers at 1B.
So hopefully you understand why a slick fielding 3B might have the same value as a poor fielding 1B that hits better.
Shaw?
It’s a moot point now but Bichette, was never going to replace Bohm at third base. Bichette was going to play second base. Stott, would likely have been traded.
Bohm has been an above average third baseman in the National League to date. I expect Bohm to have an excellent year in 2026, with the Phillies.
Stott was rumored to play third, though, too.
Wrong – they had Bichette tagged for third. And they were certainly keeping Stott over Bohm if they had to make a choice.
Bregman was the third base rumor.
As was Bichette, if one listens to the front office.
Baseball history- incorrect. Stott was not moving to 3rd and Bohm was the more likely to be traded. Where are you getting your info? 🤔
Stott—just by virtue of his glove—is a better player than Bohm.
Love you all at MLBTR, but I don’t really understand this article.
Mark starts off admitting “Alec Bohm doesn’t exactly fit any of these models” and the very next paragraph writes “This is the track record of a solid, Major League-caliber player.”
Sorry, but he is not even remotely a “make or break” type player. It’s very clear what type of player he is and it’s not going to change. He even admitted as much in a ST interview recently when asked if he could lift the ball more. He basically responded that he’s not going to try to hit HRs.
Bohm is a nice player. There’s a negative perception because he was drafted 3rd overall and plays in Philly. The reality is he carries his weight.
I agree, Bohm is a solid 3B. Not great, but very solid. He reminds me of Gleyber Torres at 2B. He has really good flashes, but overall, a very solid everyday player. “Make or Break” is someone that is at risk of losing their job. Bohm will be the 3B for some team if the Phillies move on from him.
Is it make or break for him in the majors or in Philly? I suspect it is more the latter.
The large markets have high expectations that go with those high dollars they spend. Unless you are one of the top players, their fans and their front offices find you falling short.
Lol
“Bohm’s 3.4 fWAR season in 2024 was the best of his career, as he had a 113 wRC+ from hitting .280/.332/.448 with 15 homers over 606 PA, and he also delivered +4 Outs Above Average as a third baseman. The down side of his career year was that Bohm slumped badly after the All-Star break, ”
To provide a little additional info, during an 18 game stretch in mid-April to early May, Bohm had a .464/.500/.754/1.254 slash line. Outside of those 2 1/2 weeks (125 games), he had a slash of .233/.307/.404/.711. In other words, he got red hot for a couple of weeks but was a ~90 OPS+ hitter the rest of the year and got benched in the postseason.
I don’t think he’s a bad player, but being ‘solid’ was a lot more palatable to the Phillies before he was making $5+ million a year. At $10 million this year, it doesn’t look great.
His numbers would probably look pretty good if you removed his worst 2 1/2 weeks of games too
It was 18 games in mostly April. Feel free to do the math and come up with it but I think the point stands. His best season was a mostly a mirage that ended with him benched in October. He struggled for almost five months of the season.
Removing his first 18 games leaves him with a .285/.330/.459 for the season which is pretty darn good imo. 42 doubles in those 125 games
Bohm tried playing through a hand injury in early September, and finally went on the il. The strength in his right hand never fully returned. He was “benched”, for one game, in the playoffs.
rct
“His best season was a mostly a mirage”
If those 18 games were spread out over the course of the season, would his production be “real” then?
Good story, but please lay off the Miller hype.
Months and months of pain, the source of which has yet to be identified. Sounds like the kind of chronic issue that leads to season ending surgery or a career that never lives up to expectations.
The worst part of the Miller problem is that Dombrowski might feel forced to reup
Bohm despite his being overpriced and un-clutch.
Bohm knocked in 97 runs in both 2023, and 2024. Last year he missed over a month, with a broken rib. He is an above average third baseman.
Jeez, why don’t you marry the guy?
“PlEaSe StOp WiTh ThE MilLeR hYpe.”
Quiet down.
Miller will be starting Opening Day 2027, and I really don’t have any qualms about saying that.
He’s one of the most okay players in MLB.
Bohm’s approach is to swing at the first pitch he can hit, which leads to a good batting average but with few walks or home runs. He also lets his batting slumps affect his defense and vice versa. I think he’s a nice player, but Edmundo Sosa has outplayed him and should be getting more playing time.
Sosa isn’t close to being as good a player as Bohm. If he was, he would be playing third base every day!!
Wow, you really have it bad for Bohm. This is crazy.
I once proposed a trade with the Mets, Alec Bohm and Mickey Moniak for JD Davis, Dom Smith, and Jeff McNeil
Bohm will not return in 2027, but he’s kind of invaluable in our current lineup, projected to hit cleanup (which is not good). Who knows if Miller’s back problems are chronic? As to Stott, he’s even more valuable. A GG caliber fielder who runs very well, and can handle short or third in a pinch. The Phillies’ inexcusable farm problem is we haven’t developed a really good outfielder in forever. Like, since Burrell? And he was developed after a stellar college career.
Third pick in his draft; highly rated prospect; superb rookie season. Then a solid career of league average performance. If there was a Hall of Anti-climax, Bohm would be the face on the poster.
Over the years I’ve read so much about how the fans don’t like him. He has worked very hard to be an average defender, and has brought a lot of runs in for his team, but ultimately he never quite managed to achieve elite status.
Is Alec Bohm the most successful player ever to be a disappointment to his team’s fans?
UK-Mike Schmidt would occasionally get booed by Philadelphia fans.
He was not only the best player but the best third baseman to have that accolade.
still trying to figure out this sentence: It also doesn’t help that Bohm’s perception that he was a top prospect and the third overall pick in the 2018 draft.
i think it all comes down to, when a 6’4″ 218 pound third baseman hits 20 homers at age 26, you are expecting it to maintain or increase from there, but instead he’s gone down to 15 and 11
As if Bohm is just a mediocre player right now. He is better then average batter. Better than Adolis Garcia, better than Schwarber, better than Riley Green, better than Adames, better than Egenio Suarez, better than Michel Harris, Duran from the Red Sox
I always liked Bohm. He worked real hard to be a better 3B. He was a great clutch hitter his first few seasons. But he has regressed offensively. His power numbers were dreadful last year. I hope he turns it around this year. If he doesn’t it will almost certainly be his last on the Phillies.
Still wondering why they kept this guy. Always boots the ball in a big spot.
Bohm should learn to play 2B. His offensive profile looks good there if he can play average defense.