The rumor mill continues to churn as more interest develops for Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm. The Phillies need an identity shift to change the feeling on this team and truly believe that playoff success is ahead of them.
Bohm was a prominent name who found his way on the trade block. The 28-year-old infielder now finds himself facing the reality of a possible trade to an outside organization for the first time in his career. One outside team that has checked in on Bohm is the Kansas City Royals.
The Royals have surfaced as a possible trade partner with the Phillies looking to deal Alec Bohm
The Royals made some noise last October with a surprising bounce-back season behind the campaign of AL MVP finalist Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals now look to take advantage of the market and aim to upgrade their offense. According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Royals have checked in with the Phillies on Bohm with the possible intention of swapping a hitter for a pitcher.
"Finding a hitter through free agency is not out of the question, but the Royals like what options they have on the trade market," per Rogers.
Nothing has come close to materializing as of now, but the need for Kansas City is obvious and with the Phillies looking to add to their pitching staff, it could be the perfect fit.
The Royals last year were eighth in MLB in ERA with 3.76 and have continued to climb the ranks in the AL. An offensive upgrade like Bohm could be what they're looking for. Bohm batted .280/.332/.448 with 15 home runs and 97 RBI. He may not be the engine that runs the offense, but he is a solid bat on a playoff-contending team.
As for the Phillies, Bohm's departure would feel strange, considering he has been a consistent bat in the lineup since his runner-up Rookie of the Year campaign in 2020. What makes it easier to swallow however, is the Phillies will look to get better on both sides of the ball.
The Royals could shop right-hander Brady Singer in a move for Bohm while the Phillies continue to load up their pitching staff. Third base could be filled internally or via the trade or free market and spend stupid money to win it all.
One of the few things the Phillies haven't yet explored recently is a significant roster change, a change that could flip the jammed switch on this frustrating team. The Phillies initially found success in the way they were approaching games. The pitching anchored the team predominantly all season while the hitting looked unstoppable and, at the same time, flailing, accumulating too much swing and miss. It may be time to amend the broken part of the roster.