That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 5 options to play at third base in 2020

By David Esser

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Chicago White Sox at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals at bat against the Chicago White Sox at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 03: Alec Bohm #23 of USA bats during the WBSC Premier 12 Group A match between Mexico and USA at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco on November 3, 2019 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images)
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 03: Alec Bohm #23 of USA bats during the WBSC Premier 12 Group A match between Mexico and USA at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco on November 3, 2019 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) /

Just Play the Kid: Alec Bohm

You know what’s better than a placeholder? Actually having the real thing.

Despite the general notion that the Phillies need someone to take over the third base position for a year, the harsh reality is that minor league phenom Bohm is already 24 years old.

To put that in perspective, the Nationals just won a World Series with Juan Soto (21) batting clean-up and the Braves just won the National League East with four of their best players being 24 or younger (Soroka, Acuna Jr., Albies, Riley).

As previously mentioned, Bohm absolutely tore up the minor leagues this year. Over the course of a combined three different levels, Bohm hit .305 with an .896 OPS. He also saw a sharp rise in his power moving from A to AA as he hit 14 of his 21 homers in Reading.

Bohm also participated in the Arizona Fall League this year and saw his productivity jump yet again slashing a ridiculous .361/.397/.528. Bohm’s seemingly linear progression throughout each level of the minor league system is what has so many coaches and scouts raving about him.

At 6’ 5” and 225lbs Bohm is an absolute monster of a human being. While this obviously translates to raw power for the young righty, it’s a potential liability when it comes to defending the hot corner. Major league third basemen, for the most part, tend to be some of the most athletic players on the diamond (see Nolan Arenado).

Bohm’s size leads to a lack of overall mobility, leading him to be somewhat of a defensive liability even in the minor leagues. His poor defending is one of the major reasons the team seems unlikely to call him up for opening day despite his obvious batting abilities.

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