After the Phillies’ season came to a close in October, Alec Bohm was standing in the visitors' clubhouse, reflecting on his performance and looking ahead. He was clear and confident about one thing: he knew where he’d be in 2025. “I know where I’ll be next year,” the third baseman said, sounding optimistic about his future with the team.
However, two months later, Bohm’s outlook could be changing fast. Trade rumors are swirling around the 28-year-old this offseason, with his name popping up frequently during the winter meetings in Dallas. The possibility of his fate being out of his hands is real, as the baseball world gears up for the next phase of roster moves.
With all the speculation surrounding him, Phillies manager Rob Thomson has been proactive in keeping in touch with Bohm. This week, Thomson spoke about how he’s tried to stay close to his player despite the trade chatter. “I just wanted to let him know we’re not shopping him,” Thomson said, referring to how he reassured Bohm amid all the rumors. “But because he’s a good player, there’s a whole lot of interest in him from other teams. Obviously you have to do your homework and talk to people and listen.”
The whole situation seems a bit unsettling for any player, especially one like Bohm who has had such a rollercoaster postseason. He’s currently working out in Houston, staying in top shape, and plans to visit the Phillies' Clearwater, Florida facilities around Christmas before heading back to Texas. Thomson mentioned that Bohm is looking sharp at the plate and is committed to his workouts, adding that Bohm has been working hard in the gym as well.
“I think this is probably the first time he’s gone through something like this, so I just want to ease his mind,” Thomson said. “It’s part of the business that you’ve got to get through. Because it’s the first time, I thought it was important to reach out.”
This year’s postseason was tough for Bohm. Despite earning an All-Star starter spot in July, he found himself benched for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. Instead, utility player Edmundo Sosa took his place, which was a blow to Bohm, who had struggled at the plate throughout October.
He wasn’t the only member of the Phillies lineup who faltered in the postseason, but Bohm’s frustration was hard to miss. His tendency to display visible emotion—such as throwing his helmet or bat when things weren’t going his way—raised eyebrows. Some even speculated that his emotional reactions played a role in his postseason benching. Former MLB All-Star catcher A.J. Pierzynski, speaking on the Foul Territory podcast, commented on how Bohm’s attitude might have contributed to his limited role in the playoffs.
But Thomson had a different perspective. He dismissed the idea that Bohm’s behavior indicated immaturity. “I don’t know where that comes from,” Thomson said when asked about the claims. “But he is an emotional guy. He cares a great deal. So he shows his emotion. Believe me, he’s not the only one on the club that shows their emotion and slams a helmet or a bat every once in a while. But that just shows me he cares.”
Bohm's passion is clear to anyone watching him play. Yes, he can get visibly upset on the field, but that’s because he wants to succeed and help the team. And at the end of the day, that kind of emotional investment is something you want in a player, not something to criticize.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have been making some moves behind the scenes as well. They recently hired Casey Weathers as the new director of pitching. Weathers, a former minor league pitcher drafted by the Rockies in 2007, takes over after Brian Kaplan left for the Diamondbacks. While Kaplan was juggling both pitching responsibilities and coaching duties, Weathers will focus solely on player development for pitchers. Weathers’ most recent position was as a pitching coordinator with the Cincinnati Reds, so he’s no stranger to the demands of the role.
In addition to Weathers’ arrival, the Phillies are making sure their pitching staff remains sharp. After the winter meetings in Dallas, the team plans to stay in the city for organizational meetings, bringing in their pitching personnel to ensure everyone is on the same page for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, some key players are continuing their work in the offseason. Outfielder Brandon Marsh and utility man Cal Stevenson are currently working with Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long in Phoenix. Additionally, assistant hitting coach Rafael Peña is in the Dominican Republic with Johan Rojas, who is actively participating in the Dominican Winter League, keeping his skills sharp for next season.
The offseason can be a time for reflection and adjustments, both for players like Bohm who are grappling with trade rumors and for the coaching staff, as they prepare the team for the next season. With all these moving pieces—trade speculation, roster changes, and new staff hires—the Phillies’ 2025 campaign is already shaping up to be one full of questions and excitement.
For Bohm, there’s no doubt the winter meetings brought uncertainty, but with the Phillies’ management continuing to show support, the situation could take many turns. Whether he stays with the team or not, one thing’s for sure: Bohm’s passion and dedication are evident, and he’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
As the Phillies’ front office continues to weigh their options, the future of Bohm and the rest of the team will continue to evolve. But whether or not Bohm is in Philadelphia come Opening Day 2025, his determination to improve and contribute will undoubtedly remain a defining trait of his career. And fans will be watching closely, hoping that he stays in a Phillies uniform for the long haul.
The business side of baseball is tough, but for Alec Bohm, it’s clear he’s in it for the right reasons: to grow, improve, and help the team win. And in the world of professional sports, that passion is something that can never be traded.
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