Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm found himself at the center of trade speculation earlier this offseason, despite earning his first All-Star start.
Bohm’s strong first-half numbers (.295/.348/.482 with 11 home runs, 33 doubles, and 70 RBIs) positioned him as a key asset, but his performance dipped significantly in the second half. He hit just .251/.299/.382 with four home runs, 11 doubles, and 27 RBIs. A left-hand strain in September further hindered his production, and he struggled upon returning, managing just one hit in 13 at-bats during the Phillies’ NLDS loss to the Mets. His visible frustration and body language after making outs only fueled concerns.
Trade rumors swirled, with reports indicating the Phillies set a high price for Bohm, seeking elite reliever Mason Miller from the Athletics and All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros. Ultimately, no deals materialized, and barring any unforeseen moves, Bohm is expected to be the Phillies’ starting third baseman on Opening Day.
Thomson’s Honest Assessment: Emotional Control Is Key
During an appearance on The Phillies Show podcast, Phillies manager Rob Thomson shared his thoughts on Bohm’s development, emphasizing that his emotional control will be crucial to unlocking his full potential.
“This guy’s a really good player, he really is,” Thomson said. “But he gets a little bit emotional at times, and he’s got to learn to rein that in so he can stay focused. If he does, I think he has a real shot at becoming a perennial All-Star.”
Thomson praised Bohm’s ability to hit all types of pitching and acknowledged his significant defensive improvement at the Major League level. He envisions Bohm as a consistent force in a lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner.
“Everybody gets emotional at times—it’s about how you handle it, how you show it, and how you respond,” Thomson added. “If he stays focused, he has the potential to hit .320 with 30 home runs and 120 RBIs, playing right in the heart of our lineup every year.”
Thomson stressed the importance of a short memory in baseball, urging Bohm to move past mistakes quickly.
“We have a lot of guys who show emotion, but it’s about how you bounce back,” he said. “You can’t dwell on what just happened—you have to stay locked in on what’s next.”
With the Phillies maintaining control of Bohm through 2026, his ability to manage emotions and stay locked in could be the key to taking his game to the next level. As the team gears up for another postseason push, Bohm’s growth could be a difference-maker in the Phillies’ pursuit of a championship.
