There’s reportedly ‘credible buzz’ that Alec Bohm could be traded

The Phillies could have one more relatively big move up their sleeve.

According to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, there’s “credible buzz” that Alec Bohm could be part of a potential trade as his role as the team’s Opening Day starter at third base isn’t guaranteed. Johan Camargo’s presence and his prior experience as an everyday infielder gives the Phillies some insurance if they do move on from Bohm.

Bohm, 25, struggled in his sophomore season with the Phillies, slashing .247/.305/.342 with seven home runs and 47 RBIs. He rebounded at the plate in June and July, but it wasn’t enough to keep his spot on the team as his defensive struggles continued. He was optioned to the minor leagues in August and returned during the final week of the season.

Even if he does bounce back on the offensive side, he may no longer be a fit on the roster if he isn’t able to stick at third base. They have a logjam at DH with Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius all need to spend some time at that spot. Hoskins has so far been the superior offensive player, so it’s unlikely that the team moves him in order to accommodate Bohm.

Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported earlier on Wednesday that the Phillies are searching for a “possible bench upgrade” through a trade. It seems unlikely that the Phillies would trade their former top prospect for bench depth at this stage.

However, Gelb did mention some scenarios that have not been ruled out by team officials regarding Bohm, Gregorius and Bryson Stott, the three players battling for the two spots on the left side of the infield, on his new podcast “Phillies Therapy” with Paul Boye:

• Bohm could start the season in Triple A. Stott will play shortstop and Gregorius moves to third.
• Gregorius could be released and Stott would begin at short with Bohm at third base.
• The status quo remains with Bohm at third, Gregorius at shortstop and Stott starting the season in the minor leagues.

So who could the Phillies trade Bohm for? Maybe they look for a defensive upgrade on the left side. They haven’t been connected to the A’s two pitchers on the trade block, Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, but it’s very possible the Phillies could still be monitoring that market.

Herrera’s injury could pull the team back into the center field market. While his price tag is reportedly high, Oakland’s Ramon Laureano is still available. The Marlins’ failed pursuit of Bryan Reynolds so far signals that the Pirates are asking for a king’s ransom for the star center fielder.

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