Probable move before Opening Day: Phillies and Alec Bohm agree to a multi-year extension
This one has drawn a ton of attention from Phillies fans.
When young third baseman Alec Bohm was the only player of eight who couldn't agree to a contract before the arbitration deadline, it caused a bit of a concern. For the $600 thousand difference in asking prices ($3.4 million vs. $4 million), it doesn't make much sense to put one of your fan favorites through the wringer of the arbitration process.
The reason for doing this is the pursuit of a longer deal, covering more than just this year of arbitration, something that has been done often throughout the league, and a few times in recent Phillies history with relievers Seranthony Domínguez and José Alvarado.
Being his first year eligible for arbitration, Bohm and the Phillies will likely try to work out a deal that covers the remaining years, as well as possibly buying into free agent years. The extension will come off the back of their thoughts on highly touted prospect Aidan Miller, who likely projects to be the Phillies third baseman in a few seasons.
The Phillies have the opportunity to lock 27-year-old up for the near future or can look to turn over the reigns and use Bohm as a stop-gap type player. If an extension works out, expect for it to be in the two to three year realm, buying out the remaining arbitration seasons and giving time to Miller to develop.