Trade Rumor: Could the Phillies shop Alec Bohm before the 2022 regular season?
With Opening Day just 15 days away, the Phillies are rumored to be in trade talks as the list of unanswered questions about their roster begin to pile up.
Here’s a list of the unanswered questions that the Phillies need to resolve before Opening Day.
- Who will be the backup catcher?
- Who is starting in centerfield?
- Who will be the utility man off the bench?
- Who will be playing third base?
Although I would like to see prospect Logan O’Hoppe get the nod, the Phillies backup catcher will likely come down to either Rafael Marchan or Garrett Stubbs. Centerfield looks to be Matt Vierling’s job to lose, but at the very least, we might be in for a platoon situation with him and Adam Haseley.
As for a utility man, Joe Girardi’s favorite Ronald Torreyes is back with the Phillies, while other guys like Nick Maton and Johan Camargo continue to have strong performances in Spring Training.
That leaves us with who will be playing third base on Opening Day for the Phillies. I think everyone expected Alec Bohm to get the nod, but as of yesterday, there are rumors popping up that Bohm may be on the trade block.
Joe Girardi talked about the third base situation and did not commit to Bohm being the starter on Opening Day. He said the staff is hoping that Alec runs with it, but “this is a performance business.” Girardi said it’s something “not etched in stone”, but they’re happy with what they see so far.
Alec Bohm was predicted to be the future of the Phillies just a few years back. His rookie season was one to remember. He hit .338/.400/.481 in 44 games of the 60-game COVID season, slashing 4 HRs, 23 RBIs, 54 hits, and an OPS+ of 137.
Bohm’s approach at the plate in 2020 was unlike anyone around the league. Every ball he hit was a barreled line drive. His swing was short, simple, but effective. Heading into the offseason, Bohm was looking to build on his rookie season…and he did the exact opposite.
Alec Bohm hit just .247/.305/.342 in 2021, playing 115 games in the majors. He struck out 111 times, logged just 47 RBIs, and had an OPS+ of 75. He was optioned to Triple-A in August, after a letdown season at the plate, and in the field. He posted a fielding percentage of just .936 at third base last season, fielding 15 errors in 103 games.
Coming into this spring, Bohm knew he was going to need to fight for his spot. With the additions of Johan Camargo, and the emergence of Bryson Stott potentially moving Didi over to the hot corner, nothing was guaranteed for Bohm.
The Phillies have proved that they’re not here to mess around this season. They signed two powerhouse outfielders, signed three relievers, and went over the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history. The team is going to do what wins them the most games, and if shopping Alec Bohm could get them a piece to make them better, they’re going to look into it.
Camargo has had an impressive spring. He’s hitting .286/.286/.571 in 7 at-bats, with two hits, two doubles, a run scored, and 3 RBIs. Compared to Bohm’s line of .091/.167/.091, Camargo has been the better player without a doubt.
The best-case scenario is Bohm getting back to his 2020-self, and taking over the everyday third base spot. But with every game that goes by, that is starting to look less likely. He’s struggling with the same defensive issues as last season, and his bat seems to be dead again. If the team was considering shopping Bohm, a trade for a starting pitcher or another reliever should be at the top of their list.
Girardi has also hinted at Castellanos getting innings at third base. The newest Phillie said he loves taking ground balls and will be taking them before every game at third base. Is that because Castellanos enjoys them, or is that Girardi keeping his last-case scenario in the back of his head?
Up Next for the Phillies
The team will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates today at 1:05 EST. Didi will leadoff, Haseley will get time in centerfield with Moniak in right, and Camargo will continue to get more innings at third.
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