These Phillies hitters’ careers depend on them having a good season
The Philadelphia Phillies made some significant upgrades to their roster this offseason, including adding a formidable duo in Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos.
But while it was great to see the Phillies finally spending what is known as “stupid money” on some of the best talents in the game, it’s also important to point out why they needed to do so in the first place. Despite having NL MVP Bryce Harper, the Phillies roster was seriously lacking offensive depth, with several underperforming hitters.
Many players in the lineup are due for your run-of-the-mill bounce-back seasons in 2021, including J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins.
We’re not going to talk about those guys today.
Instead, we’re talking about hitters in Phillies organization who are in the direst straits, the ones for whom this season is make-or-break.
Alec Bohm
Bryson Stott hasn’t even made his big-league debut, and he’s already got the Alec Bohm trade rumor mill buzzing.
Bohm was the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up but fell off a sharp offensive cliff in 2021. His numbers are dismally low, and his confidence appears to be down there with them.
Over the weekend, top infield prospect Stott saw action at third base instead of his usual shortstop spot, and manager Joe Girardi said that the club is keeping their Opening Day options open for the hot corner.
Between Stott’s defense and the fact that he’s proven to be an offensive star like his friend and mentor, Bryce Harper, Bohm is in a tough spot.