Philadelphia Phillies: Alec Bohm’s play should keep him from trade talks

For so long, it seemed that Philadelphia Phillies‘ third baseman Alec Bohm had lost his way. After a stellar rookie campaign, Bohm regressed in a big way during his sophomore season, leading many to think that his success was nothing more than a flash in the pan. Though this season has still granted Bohm with adversity, he has proved he is much more than many gave him credit for, especially with his play of late.

Alec Bohm has just wrapped up one of the most successful months of July seen by a Philadelphia Phillie in quite some time. This month, Bohm hit for a thrilling .434 average which not only led the Majors this season but it has not happened for a Phillie in any month since Pat Burrell accomplished this feat in 2007. In fact, only four other Phillies have ever hit for .434 or better in a month since 1947. Quite the amazing accomplishment that has raised his average from .263 at the end of June to .299 as of this moment.

While it would be nice to see a bit more consistent power from his bat, it’s difficult to complain about a near .300 hitter considering the team’s offensive struggles without Bryce Harper and Jean Segura. That power may come in time, but for now, Alec Bohm is both the Phillies’ hits leader and their leader in average among active players. It’s amazing to think that he was thought of as a completely available asset just a month ago, but now, the Phillies might just want to hold on a bit longer.

Unless the Philadelphia Phillies receive a star in return, third baseman Alec Bohm should be safe from any and all trade talks.

While the argument could also be made that his value has finally rebounded and it’s time to sell, it’s difficult to rush to that conclusion given the positional uncertainty going forward for the Phillies. As of this moment, there would be no player capable of starting at third unless the plan is to move Jean Segura there for the rest of the season or start nearly acquired utility infielder Edmundo Sosa.

Either option comes with its own flaws, so the scenario around Bohm’s departure would have to certainly be worth it. A player who makes a significant impact on the team’s title odds would have to be the return, and Bohm would have to be the centerpiece of the deal. Sure, if a Frankie Montas-type player is the return, it could be Bohm-plus a top-five prospect, but the Phillies are unlikely to target such a player.

More realistically, a Pablo López or a Bryan Reynolds-level target would be what it should take to involve Bohm’s name in trade talks. The Phillies are currently unlikely to be true contenders for either player for a litany of reasons — asking price, demand from other teams, reports of the player being unavailable even — but much can change between now and the deadline.

Expect the Phillies to hold onto Bohm through the deadline as they continue to value the team’s future over the present. That’s not to say it’s the wrong decision, quite the opposite. Given the way Bohm has turned his season around, the last thing the Phillies should do is trade him for a player who is not impactful enough of an upgrade.

Alec Bohm has earned the opportunity to continue proving himself and still has a chance to be a difference-maker for the Philadelphia Phillies for years to come.