Comparing Alec Bohm's first three seasons to other notable Phillies

Believe it or not, it has already been almost two and a half years since Alec Bohm debuted at third base for the Philadelphia Phillies. The 26-year-old was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft and has had a memorable start to his big-league career.

Bohm has already experienced highs and lows that some players go an entire career without experiencing. Who could forget Bohm committing three errors in two innings against the New York Mets and saying he "hates this place" last April?

While that certainly put Bohm at odds with Phillies fans for a short time, things quickly came around due to Bohm taking accountability and showing responsibility. Bohm went on to improve his defense drastically, transforming himself from a young defensive liability to a playmaker on defense.

Bohm also performed at the plate in the big moments. He proved he can handle big moments, from celebrating getting hit by a pitch that gave the Phillies their first run of the 2022 postseason, to being a contributor in the Phillies' record-tying five-homer-game in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series.

Dave Dombrowski and the rest of the front office will have through 2026 to complete their evaluation of Bohm before he is due a contract., Four seasons is a long time and fans can't help but to wonder what they have in store.

While comparing Bohm's first three seasons to other current and former Phillies legends and stars, his career may not take the same trajectory, but it certainly can be fun.

Alec Bohm's steady contact displays similarities to Phillies legend Chase Utley.

The Phillies were a force during the end of the 2000s and into the early 2010s, making the postseason in every season from 2007 to 2011. These runs gave the Phillies two National League pennants and the 2008 World Series title.

One of the most talented contributors on those Phillies teams was second baseman Chase Utley. Utley was with the Phillies from the beginning of his career in 2003 until a 2015 midseason trade sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Through Utley's first three seasons from 2003 to 2005, he had a .276 batting average in 284 games. Coincidentally, Bohm's batting average of .277 through his first three seasons is just a tick better.

The infielders also got on base at a similar percentage through three seasons. Bohm had OBP marks of .400, .305, and .315 in his first three seasons, while Utley had an OBP of .322, .308, and .376.

However, where Bohm and Utley differ is in the home run category. Bohm hit 11 home runs in 159 games in 2020 and 2021, while Utley hit 15 home runs in 136 games in 2003 and 2004. Year three, however, is once again where Bohm goes from being slightly outmatched to being blown out of the water.

Bohm may have hit 10 home runs under Rob Thomson in 2022, but he still only had 13 homers in 152 games overall during the 2022 season. Utley was able to go yard 28 times while playing in 147 games in the 2005 season.

Bohm still has work to do in developing the power aspect of his game. Having a contact hitter among sluggers such as Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins, and two-time MVP Bryce Harper may not be a bad thing, but seeing Bohm hit more home runs would see him begin to reach an All-Star level of play.

So far, Bohm's career closely mirrors a newer addition to the Phillies lineup — a player who proves he can contribute and find success both individually and as a team without ever hitting 30 home runs in a season.

Trea Turner's career beginnings closely mirror fellow Phillies infielder Alec Bohm's first three seasons.

New Phillies shortstop Trea Turner may have yet to suit up in red pinstripes, but his 11-year, $300 million deal makes him one of the roster's most noteworthy players. Turner earned this contract despite never hitting 30 home runs in a season, and only hitting more than 20 home runs twice in eight seasons.

Turner debuted in 2015, however, he only played in 27 games and would not compete for the Rookie of the Year Award until 2016. So, Turner's first three seasons will be counted as the 333 games he played with the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018.

From 2016 to 2018, Turner slashed .342/.370/.567, .284/.338/.451, and .271/.344/.516, respectively. Over Bohm's first three seasons, he slashed .338/.400/.481, .247/.305/.342, and .280/.315/.398. Turner's home run totals were 13, 11 and 19, respectively, while Bohm's season totals were 4, 7, and 13.

Turner is a good roadmap of what Bohm could become. Bohm showed ability to be a great contact hitter, a presence in the batter's box in clutch moments, and occasionally take a pitcher yard. Defensively, Bohm also cleaned up his mistakes as the 2022 season went on.

It appeared that manager Rob Thomson helped Bohm rely on his instincts and high baseball IQ to make plays, instead of trying to constantly be a great player — a mentality that we have seen cripple other high draft picks recently on other Philadelphia sports teams.

In 2023, expect Bohm to make huge leaps toward what he could become as an everyday player for the rest of his career. Coming off of a World Series appearance, adding Turner to the lineup, and improving the bullpen with the arms of Gregory Soto and Craig Kimbrel, have put a target on the Phillies that they have not had in a long time.

If the Phillies go on a run similar to their 2007-2011 stretch, they will need their third baseman to bring his "A-game" on both offense and defense. If Bohm rises to the challenge, he could be the next Phillies player to earn a lucrative contract.