Alec Bohm Is About To Be a Very Confusing Free Agent

Alec Bohm‘s pending free agency is one of the more intriguing developments of the upcoming offseason. There are a lot of teams that will be scouring the market for corner-infield help, but is Alec Bohm the answer to anyone’s infield problems?

Bohm has been a polarizing player during his time in Philadelphia. He’s been an All-Star starter, has had stretches of being one of the worst hitters in baseball, and has had his ups and downs in the field.

The 30-year-old corner infielder just capped off his worst season since 2021 and enters a market that is salivating for corner-infield help. Many teams could use Bohm’s services, but given his inconsistent performances over the years, the market for him may take a hit.

With the Philadelphia Phillies likely to shake up their lineup considerably, Bryce Harper potentially returning to first base, and some infield prospects who could complicate the puzzle, Bohm heading elsewhere seems inevitable.

The Bat Has Always Been a Bit of a Mystery

Alec Bohm’s first two seasons in Philadelphia are a perfect embodiment of his entire big league career. In 2020, he posted an .881 OPS, a .357 xwOBA, and a 138 wRC+. In his sophomore season, he recorded a 0.0 fWAR with a .312 xwOBA and a 76 wRC+.

In 2024, Bohm made the All-Star Game in Texas as the starting third baseman. It looked like Bohm had finally put together a full breakout after two league-average seasons in 2022 and 2023. However, after the All-Star break, he hit .251 with a .681 OPS and managed just one hit in 14 postseason plate appearances.

The 2026 season was also a tale of two halves for Bohm. In the first half of the season, he was producing at the bottom of the league, slashing .215/.278/.354 before the All-Star break. Following the festivities in Philadelphia, Bohm hit .298 with a .794 OPS.

Many expected the power to come from the Phillies’ right-handed third baseman, but Bohm has only eclipsed 20 home runs once in his career.

Through all the highs and lows, Alec Bohm’s career numbers paint the picture of an average MLB player. In his seven big league seasons, he has hit .273 with a .735 OPS and a 100 wRC+.

Bohm’s Defensive Value

When Bohm first debuted in Philadelphia, his glove was one of his biggest flaws. From 2020 to 2023, he logged -45 DRS and -10 OAA at the hot corner. With the Phillies’ roster full of guys who needed the DH spot, that level of defensive performance wasn’t good enough.

Just like his bat, 2024 brought his best season in the field. Bohm recorded 4 OAA at third base and 2 OAA at first base. His offensive production that season, coupled with his first legitimately good season in the field, was a great sign for his development.

Unfortunately for Bohm, 2025 and 2026 showed a regression in the field. Over the past two seasons, he’s back down to -13 DRS and -9 OAA at his primary position. Due to the Arraez trade, Bohm had to slide back over to first base. In his time there this season, he recorded 1 DRS and -3 OAA.

Bohm is no elite defender, but he has shown flashes of being playable at either corner infield spot. His bat likely isn’t good enough to earn a DH spot with any potential suitor, but if he can replicate his 2024 production in the field, he’s a solid option.

How Much Is Bohm Actually Worth?

The Phillies will have the choice of extending a qualifying offer to Bohm. Doing so would result in a significant increase to his salary on Philadelphia’s payroll.

Despite the “daycare” label the Phillies’ fanbase has used for players like Bohm over the past few seasons, he is now 30 years old. He’s no longer a young player with potential; he’s a veteran with established expectations.

Bohm is a player who will have to endure his ups and downs, but ultimately, he could be an above-average hitter. He’s not going to win a Gold Glove, but he has shown that he can provide respectable defense at times.

According to Spotrac, Bohm is projected to land a three-year deal worth around $38 million. Bohm was previously a Boras client but parted ways with him earlier this year. He is now represented by Nick Chanock.

Which Teams Could Take a Chance on Bohm?

Bohm’s free-agent market will likely be determined by how many teams believe they can get his bat back to its 2024 form. While his career numbers suggest an average MLB hitter, his All-Star campaign showed that he can be a productive middle-of-the-order presence when everything is clicking.

The biggest question for potential suitors is where Bohm fits defensively. He’s unlikely to be viewed as a long-term solution at third base by teams prioritizing elite defense, but his ability to play both corner infield positions gives him some additional appeal.

For a team that misses out on the top options in free agency, Bohm could be an intriguing alternative. His projected contract is substantial enough that teams will have to weigh his inconsistency against his offensive ceiling. However, if a club believes it can help him rediscover his 2024 form, Bohm could be a worthwhile gamble on a shorter-term deal.

Ultimately, Bohm’s market may come down to which teams are willing to bet on his best seasons and stretches rather than his most recent struggles.