Philadelphia Phillies fans were hit with a bombshell early in the offseason about All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm’s rumored availability on the trade block. Bohm has had his ups and downs since his debut in 2020, but the 28-year-old has developed into one of the top players in Major League Baseball at his position.
Bohm started the 2024 season hot and continued his success for most of the season. He was named to the first All-Star Game of his career and was among the league leaders in doubles and RBI. Unfortunately, Bohm struggled mightily down the stretch, particularly in September after returning from a hand injury.
Bohm’s late-season collapse carried into the postseason. The former No. 3 overall pick went just 1-for-13 during the Phillies’ short-lived playoff run.
The Phillies were rumored to want to shake things up heading into the 2025 season. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made some moves, especially to the pitching staff, but the lineup will likely remain the same as spring training nears.
Phillies fans can breathe a sigh of relief with Nolan Arenado rumored to prefer a trade to the Red Sox
Bohm was the hot name on the trade market for some time this offseason. At one point it seemed like his time in the City of Brotherly Love was all but over. The Phillies reportedly offered him in trade talks with other teams but nothing came to fruition. With the new season on the horizon, Bohm will likely be on the Opening Day roster.
One name linked to the Phillies as a replacement for Bohm was 10-time Gold Glove and six-time Platinum Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado.
The St. Louis Cardinals were looking to shed payroll and prioritize youth heading into 2025. As a result, the organization gave Arenado permission to seek a trade. The Gold Glover has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract. He also has a full no-trade clause.
The Phillies were reportedly on a short list of six approved teams for which Arenado would waive his no-trade clause. Given his age, contract and underwhelming 2024 season, the Phillies would be wise to stay away from a trade.
Phillies fans can breathe a sigh of relief with Arenado’s preferred destination in trade talks. The Boston Red Sox are reportedly on the top of Arenado’s list, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Arenado spent the first eight years of his career with the Colorado Rockies. He has been one of the best all-around third basemen over the last decade, earning eight All-Star selections and five Silver Slugger Awards.
Arenado was traded to the Cardinals ahead of the 2021 season, earning three consecutive All-Star selections and hitting 106 home runs with 372 RBI in his first four seasons with the team. The 33-year-old had a down season in 2024 slashing .272/.325/.394 with a .719 OPS, 23 doubles, 16 home runs and 71 RBI.
The Phillies have the roster to compete for a World Series championship. Trading pieces away for a pricey aging veteran doesn’t make sense. How better would Arenado make the Phillies than Bohm? He likely wouldn’t improve the team much, or even improve the team at all.