The Philadelphia Phillies have endured a chaotic and often uncomfortable offseason, one that has likely left third baseman Alec Bohm feeling unsettled and frustrated about his standing within the organization. For the second consecutive winter, Bohm’s name has circulated heavily in trade rumors, reinforcing the perception that the club has at least explored the idea of moving on from him.
This time, however, the speculation has carried a sharper edge. Rather than being framed as a classic “sell high” maneuver or a baseball driven reshuffling, the possibility of dealing Bohm felt more like a cold calculation one rooted in upgrading his position, trimming payroll, or both.
Bohm’s situation is complicated by timing and performance. Although he earned an All Star selection in 2024, his overall offensive production fell short of expectations across the full season. For a team with championship aspirations and a roster built around high priced veterans, mediocrity at a corner infield spot is a luxury the Phillies seem increasingly unwilling to tolerate.
Compounding matters further is the fact that Bohm is inching closer to free agency, with just one season remaining before he can test the open market. That reality has fueled internal debate about whether it makes sense to commit long term to him or to attempt to extract value now, before leverage diminishes.
Throughout the offseason, the Phillies have repeatedly signaled their willingness to explore alternatives. At one point, league insiders widely reported that Philadelphia had strong interest in Bo Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays shortstop and two time All Star.
That pursuit ultimately came up empty, as Bichette instead landed with the New York Mets, a division rival an outcome that only intensified the Phillies’ frustration and sense of urgency. Missing out on Bichette didn’t end Philadelphia’s search for infield upgrades, however. It merely redirected their attention.
As it turns out, the Phillies didn’t limit their inquiries to Bichette. They also quietly reached out regarding another established star with a decorated résumé. According to a column published Tuesday by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Philadelphia contacted the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier in the offseason to gauge the availability of second baseman Ketel Marte.
Marte, a switch hitter with multiple All Star appearances and a reputation as one of the most complete infielders in the game, would have represented a significant upgrade in both offensive consistency and defensive versatility.
Arizona, however, quickly shut down those conversations. Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen publicly stated earlier this month that Marte was not available for trade, effectively removing him from the market. Even so, Bowden suggested that such declarations are rarely absolute in Major League Baseball. Front offices often leave the door cracked open, particularly when circumstances change.
In his column, Bowden explained that Arizona’s firm stance could soften under the right conditions. A substantial trade offer one that met or exceeded the Diamondbacks’ internal valuation might prompt them to reconsider, especially if an unexpected injury occurred during spring training.
A significant loss elsewhere on the roster could force a contending team to become more aggressive, potentially reopening trade discussions and driving up the price to a level Arizona initially sought but did not receive.
Bowden also noted that the Phillies were far from alone in their interest. Several clubs reportedly monitored Marte’s situation, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.
Boston, in particular, was mentioned as a team that could re-enter the conversation if it failed to sign Eugenio Suárez or otherwise secure a middle of the order bat in free agency. Should that scenario unfold, Marte could again become a focal point for multiple contenders looking to bolster their infield production.
From Philadelphia’s perspective, the theoretical roster construction was relatively straightforward. Had the Phillies successfully acquired Marte, they likely would have shifted Bryson Stott, widely regarded as a strong and reliable defender, from second base over to third. Stott’s athleticism and glove would have helped stabilize the hot corner, while Marte would have slotted seamlessly into second base, providing a significant offensive upgrade and veteran presence.
Yet theory and reality diverged sharply. Despite all the speculation and reported interest, the Phillies’ offseason activity has been remarkably restrained. Outside of re-signing cornerstone players Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, the team’s most notable external addition has been right handed reliever Brad Keller, projected to fill a setup role in the bullpen.
While Keller may offer value in high leverage innings, his signing did little to address the glaring questions surrounding the infield questions that have loomed over Bohm’s head since the season ended.
In the absence of major injuries events that, by their nature, cannot be predicted the Phillies now find themselves in a somewhat awkward position. Their actions and public posture throughout the winter have sent a clear message, they have explored life beyond Alec Bohm at third base.
From rumored trade talks to failed pursuits of star infielders, the organization has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to consider alternatives. For a player in Bohm’s position, that reality can be deeply demoralizing.
Morale matters, particularly for a team that expects to contend in a pressure packed division. Bohm, still relatively young and capable of improvement, has been left to process months of uncertainty about his future. Each report linking the Phillies to another infielder each confirmation that the front office picked up the phone has likely reinforced the sense that the organization is prepared to move on at the first viable opportunity.
And yet, with spring training rapidly approaching and no blockbuster moves materializing, the Phillies appear to be running out of realistic options. Two weeks before players report to camp, the roster looks largely unchanged from the previous season, at least in terms of the everyday lineup. Bohm remains penciled in at third base, not necessarily because the team reaffirmed its faith in him, but because circumstances have left them with few alternatives.
This unresolved tension creates an uncomfortable dynamic heading into the new season. On one hand, the Phillies still need Bohm to perform at a high level if they are to meet their postseason ambitions. On the other, Bohm enters camp knowing that the organization spent months exploring ways to replace him. That disconnect between reliance and reluctance underscores the broader unease of Philadelphia’s offseason.
Ultimately, the Phillies’ winter can be defined by near misses and unanswered questions. They aimed high, targeting elite infield talent in hopes of reshaping the roster for another deep October run. When those pursuits failed, they were left in a holding pattern, with Bohm still in place but clearly not viewed as untouchable. Whether this experience motivates him to elevate his play or weighs on him as a distraction remains to be seen.
As spring training looms, one thing is certain: the Phillies’ handling of the situation has not fostered stability or confidence at third base. Instead, it has left both player and team in a state of uneasy coexistence bound together by necessity rather than conviction, and heading into the season with lingering questions that only performance on the field can resolve.
