Alec Bohm shines despite Phillies' Opening Day defeat to Rangers

Alec Bohm was among the bright spots from the Phillies' disappointing Opening Day

Opening Day did not go according to plan for the Philadelphia Phillies. After trailing 5-0 through three and a half innings, the Texas Rangers came storming back in the fourth. A nine-run inning helped them secure the season opener, 11-7 — handing the Phillies an embarrassing defeat.

It wasn't all bad for the Phillies, however. Third baseman Alec Bohm had a great day at the plate — showing signs of the hitter the Phillies believed they drafted with the third overall pick of the 2018 draft.

Out of the seven spot in the Phillies lineup, Bohm had a career day. In his first at-bat, he came to the plate with Nick Castellanos on second and two men down. Bohm took a 99 miles per hour
Jacob deGrom fastball out of the park in right-center field.

In Bohm's second at-bat, he drove an 0-2 pitch to left field and later scored on a Brandon Marsh double. In his third at-bat, Bohm came to the plate with two outs and two on and hit a single up the middle that scored Castellanos — giving the Phillies their sixth run.

Bohm finished the day going 3-for-4 with two runs, three RBI, and seven total bases.

Can Alec Bohm continue to make positive strides in his career?

The great game for Bohm was hopefully a sign of more to come in 2023. Bohm started his career with a great 2020 season — batting .338 in 44 games and finishing as a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year. In 2021, Bohm struggled mightily. His average dropped to .247 and his horrific defense didn't help keep him in the lineup, either.

After beginning 2022 on the bench, the season became a career-defining year for Bohm. His defense was even worse than the previous season to start. In early April against the New York Mets, Bohm had a three-error game. He was seen saying that he "hates this place (Philadelphia)."

Following the game, Bohm owned up to what he said and explained it was out of frustration and that he enjoys playing in the city. The fans respected his honesty and gave him a standing ovation the following night.

That game seemed to "flip a switch" for Bohm and his career overall. Bohm had a great year at the plate, while steadily improving his defense as the season went on. What was once his biggest weakness became a strength. His defense even played a large factor in the 2022 postseason, making great plays in all series.

While Bohm played a large role last year, he could become one of the faces of the team in 2023. With Rhys Hoskins sidelined the entire season — and Bryce Harper missing at least the first month — Bohm will be counted on to be one of the team's best hitters. His offense has always been a strength, however, he never has been a power hitter.

Entering Saturday, Bohm only has 25 career home runs. To take that next step into the higher tier of third basemen in the league, he will have to start producing power. Bohm reportedly put on 10-15 pounds of muscle during the offseason. Phillies fans are excited to see this development and hope it would correlate to more power at the plate — and ultimately more home runs.

The opener against deGrom seemed to be a difficult task for Bohm to start his fourth season. It was anything but difficult — at least he made it look that way. Despite being in the seven spot in the lineup, Bohm could likely shoot to the top of the lineup soon, especially until Harper returns.

No matter where Bohm is placed in the lineup, he is poised for a breakout year. While the National League is loaded at third base, Bohm has the hitting tool to be in the All-Star conversation if he adds power to his already consistent approach.

For the first game of the season, against arguably one of the best pitchers on the planet, you couldn't ask for much more from Bohm.