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Every dollar on a Major League Baseball payroll can change a roster. That reality is driving the Philadelphia Phillies to weigh moves this offseason, and third baseman Alec Bohm — heading into arbitration — has emerged as a notable trade possibility.
Why Alec Bohm is being discussed as a trade asset
The Phillies face a familiar dilemma: competitive ambition versus payroll control. With arbitration figures looming, team executives have told rivals they prefer making changes on the big-league roster. That stance helps them shift salary commitments without dipping into minor-league deals.
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Sources indicate Bohm is a leading candidate to be moved. While the cost is not crippling, the Phillies are reportedly focused on keeping payroll near last season’s level.
- Arbitration estimates: Bohm is expected to land close to $10 million in his next contract ruling.
- Payroll target: Philadelphia has shown interest in maintaining a payroll around $313 million.
- Those two facts make Bohm a valuable bargaining chip for clubs looking to shed or reallocate salary.
What Bohm has shown on the field
Bohm’s production has swung between clear highs and puzzling lows. At his peak, he displayed the defensive and offensive tools that place him among solid major-league third basemen. His strong first half of 2024 earned him an All-Star selection.
Recent performance snapshot
- 2024: All-Star nod during a standout first half.
- 2025: A decline in numbers, including a 102 OPS+ and 11 home runs across 464 at-bats.
That blend of upside and inconsistency is a double-edged sword for teams considering a trade. Contenders might value the upside. Rebuilders may hesitate at the recent dip.
How Philadelphia might use freed-up payroll
Trade talks are about more than one player. The Phillies appear interested in shifting money to address pitching, bench depth, or future free-agent targets. Front-office chatter suggests they’d like flexibility to pursue several roster priorities.
- Reinvesting in starting or relief pitching.
- Adding a cheaper short-term replacement while targeting bigger long-term names.
- Reducing luxury tax exposure or preserving space for midseason moves.
Who’s linked to the Phillies and where the rumors stand
Multiple names and scenarios have surfaced in recent reports. Philadelphia’s offseason chatter spans potential departures and incoming interest from other clubs.
- There are increasing indications the Phillies are open to trading a high-paid, unhappy All-Star.
- Teams such as the Seattle Mariners have expressed interest in Philadelphia relievers.
- Internal options are under consideration to replace departed pitchers, rather than always buying externally.
- Front-office scouts are monitoring the free-agent market for a replacement for Kyle Schwarber that doesn’t involve pursuing Kyle Tucker.
- News on international signings and free-agent interest has been positive, especially around Japanese outfielder Tatsuya Imai.
What to watch next in trade season
Expect Bohm’s name to surface in trade conversations until arbitration is settled or the Phillies decide to keep him. Teams that value left-handed contact and corner-infield defense will be the likeliest suitors.
- Watch for package offers that mix prospects with salary relief.
- Monitor arbitration outcomes; the final figure could push talks forward.
- Keep an eye on how Philadelphia manages payroll commitments to judge their willingness to move established veterans.
