Throughout the summer, Alec Bohm was the subject of trade speculations, and it appeared at one time that he might be joining a different team in 2025.
In December, Rob Thomson sort of put an end to those trade speculations. According to the Phillies management, Bohm was not being pursued by the team. They were discussing him with other teams. But only because the Phillies were getting calls from clubs interested in the 2024 All-Star.
Bohm, 28, is still a Phillie and is in Clearwater following a speculative offseason.
Thomson spoke with reporters about Bohm on Wednesday.
Regarding the 28-year-old, Thomson remarked, “I spoke with him yesterday, but I haven’t seen him today.”
According to Thomson, Bohm had been surrounded by coaches like Paco Figueroa and Bobby Dickerson for some time when he was taking ground balls. According to those coaches, Bohm has evolved.
Thomson said, “They said he’s so positive he seems like a different guy, like he’s grown up again.” Since we initially introduced him to the major leagues, he has matured significantly. He seemed to have gone another stride now. I’m eager to see what he can do.
On the field, Bohm has a history of expressing his dissatisfaction. The third baseman may also suffer from a poor at-bat. Because of what had transpired earlier in a game, he occasionally made blunders in the field or during at-bats. He would become distracted.
Thomson refuted the notion that Bohm was immature in December. He said that when Bohm expresses his feelings, it indicates that he cares.
Regarding Bohm’s perceived immaturity, Thomson remarked during the Winter Meetings, “I don’t know where that comes from.” However, he is a sensitive person. He is quite concerned. He therefore displays emotion.
It’s not only Bohm who displays emotion on the diamond. Watch any game. A helmet will be thrown. A bat was hurled. An athlete shouting at himself. It’s typical. However, Bohm’s persistent annoyance is what has previously landed him in hot water. It may make a big difference if he can improve that part of his game.
This season, Bohm will be crucial for the Phillies. Once more, he is expected to hit in the middle of their lineup. However, he will need to hit for a complete half-year. The previous season, he didn’t do that. Thomson said Bohm will need to be more consistent and avoid having the lows at the plate persist too long.
Bohm had a scorching start to 2024, which earned him a spot on his first All-Star squad, but he cooled off significantly in the latter months of the season. In September, he struggled with a tightness in his left hand. It affected him. Last September, Bohm hit.170 with a.502 OPS. Despite not starting Game 2 of the series, he went 1-for-13 against the Mets in the NLDS.
It will be some time before we know if Bohm has changed. We recently started spring camp. During this time of year, everyone is enthusiastic and upbeat. We won’t be able to tell if Bohm has changed until he has a horrible day or week at the plate that drives him to a reasonable level of frustration.
However, Bohm’s management appears to believe that he has changed. Additionally, that is a positive move.
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