The Philadelphia Phillies are considering a move involving Alec Bohm as the trade deadline approaches, amid ongoing debate about his overall contributions to the team. Bohm, a third baseman with evident potential, has struggled at times, prompting the Phillies to explore alternatives that could better support their World Series ambitions.
One possible replacement linked to Philadelphia is Ryan McMahon, a player the Rockies might be willing to part with in exchange for other assets. McMahon offers strong defensive skills and consistent, if occasionally strikeout-prone, hitting, with OPS+ figures ranging from 90 to 99 across recent seasons.
Philadelphia’s Approach to Potential Trades at Third Base
RJ Anderson of CBS Sports noted that while McMahon may not be a clear-cut upgrade statistically, he could provide more stability than Bohm has thus far. McMahon’s contract still has two years remaining, which adds value for the Phillies. Anderson also highlighted recent improvements in McMahon’s offensive game, citing increases in bat speed and loft that may raise his overall production potential this season.
Despite these possible benefits, the Phillies face a challenge justifying a swap given that Bohm is younger and holds upside as a former All-Star. Bohm’s performance has been uneven, but the team may be reluctant to abandon his development without receiving significant return in a trade.
Potential Impact and Team Strategy Moving Forward
The decision on whether to proceed with an Alec Bohm trade will hinge on the quality of offers the Phillies receive and how well replacements align with the team’s timeline and needs. Improving the third base position is important for Philadelphia as it strives for a championship, but the front office remains cautious about making hasty moves for marginal upgrades.
Overall, the consideration of a trade involving Bohm reflects the Phillies’ attempt to optimize their roster in pursuit of postseason success, balancing player potential with practical performance. With the trade deadline looming, choices made now could influence the team’s prospects for this season and beyond.
“What’s interesting about McMahon is that he’s gained bat speed and loft this year, potentially providing him with a higher offensive capacity than what he’s shown throughout his career,”
—RJ Anderson, CBS Sports