The Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason with the hope of landing some of the best players in baseball but have failed to do so.
After another average and a roster that still feels close, it was rather obvious that Dave Dombrowski had to go out and do something, but unfortunately, he couldn’t do so.
The Phillies were heavily connected to Bo Bichette, one of the few true difference-making bats available this winter.
Not only did Bichette not sign with the Phillies, but he ended up with the New York Mets, the biggest rival of Philadelphia.
Because of the situation, the Phillies are now not expected to make someone else available.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Philadelphia isn’t expected to pursue a major move, and that includes trading third baseman Alec Bohm.
“It’s a cold reality the Phillies face in mid-January. Outside of Bichette, who was one of the youngest and best free agents available this winter, the paths to a similar type of splash are all but nonexistent.
“After Bichette’s decision, the Phillies quickly reached an agreement with J.T. Realmuto on a three-year, $45 million deal, league sources said. They could still shuffle their infield by trading third baseman Alec Bohm, but that is unlikely. The Phillies were willing to readjust everything for Bichette, but absent him, they are now unlikely to add a meaningful position player,” he wrote.
Bohm remains a decent, controllable bat who has shown potential at times, but the idea of him continuing to be the long-term third baseman just doesn’t feel great.
Trading him now would require the Phillies to get creative at third base, which isn’t the worst idea, but could also mean that they have to call up a prospect or make another move in free agency or via a trade.
Once Bichette came off the board, the Phillies decided to bring J.T. Realmuto back, which largely suggests that they’re going to run the same team back for the most part.
For fans hoping for another major splash, this may feel underwhelming, but perhaps something else will come up in the future.
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