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Philadelphia Phillies make overdue move with Alec Bohm

By David Hill

Aug 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) makes a throwing error to first in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) makes a throwing error to first in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Phillies felt that they had a budding star at third base with Alec Bohm. He had impressed after making his debut in 2020, finishing as the runner up in the NL Rookie of the Year balloting. Bohm appeared to be the type of player that Philadelphia could build around, a perennial All Star caliber player who could be a force in the middle of the lineup.

Instead, Bohm struggled all season as the Phillies waited for him to find his form. On Sunday, they could wait no more, sending their starting third baseman back to Triple-A.

Philadelphia Phillies waited too long on Alec Bohm

One could understand why the Phillies were hoping that Bohm would be a key part of their lineup in 2021. He had produced a .338/.400/.481 batting line in his 180 plate appearances, hitting four homers and 11 doubles. The power was expected to come, but his ability to make contact was something that could not be taught.

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As solid as Bohm was in 2020, he was as much of a disaster this season. His power never manifested, and even worse, he was unable to replicate that same success in terms of batting average. He had produced a disappointing .245/.302/.342 batting line with only seven homers and 15 doubles in his 407 plate appearances.

The timing of such a move certainly seems odd. However, Bohm had been losing playing time over the past few weeks as the Phillies sought a way into the postseason. Now, with the Braves beginning to pull away from the pack in the NL East, Philadelphia cannot afford to give him more of an opportunity.

It also brings his future into doubt. The Phillies have been notoriously awful at developing pieces for their lineup, a trend that had begun in 2010. Bohm was supposed to be the player to stop that trend of mediocrity. Instead, he is at a crossroads, one where he could reclaim his former promise, or simply flame out as so many Phillies prospects before him had done.

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The Philadelphia Phillies have sent Alec Bohm to the minors. It is a move that had been long overdue given his struggles this season.

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