WHY THE PHILLIES PASSED ON THE $23.15 MILLION OFFER

The Philadelphia Phillies have officially made their decision on Alec Bohm, and it could signal the beginning of a significant infield shake-up heading into the 2027 MLB season.

Philadelphia declined to extend Bohm a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer, allowing the longtime third baseman to enter free agency without draft-pick compensation attached. The decision came as the offseason officially got underway, leaving plenty of questions about whether Bohm has played his final game in a Phillies uniform.

However, there is an important distinction Phillies fans should understand: declining the qualifying offer does not necessarily mean the organization has closed the door on bringing him back.

The Phillies can still negotiate a separate contract with Bohm. The bigger question is whether both sides can agree on a financial arrangement that makes sense for the future.

And considering Philadelphia’s other roster needs, that conversation could become more complicated than some fans expect.

WHY THE PHILLIES PASSED ON THE $23.15 MILLION OFFER

The decision to pass on Bohm’s qualifying offer was not particularly surprising when considering his 2026 production and Philadelphia’s financial priorities.

Bohm earned $10.2 million during the 2026 season. Accepting the qualifying offer would have more than doubled his salary for another year in Philadelphia.

Although Bohm remains a productive run producer, committing $23.15 million to him for one season would have limited the organization’s flexibility to address other weaknesses.

The Phillies have several areas that need attention, including their outfield, bullpen and overall infield construction.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has already acknowledged how difficult replacing Bohm’s offensive contributions could become.

“If Alec is not back with us, those 90 runs he drives in every year will be missed,” Dombrowski said during his end-of-season press conference.

That statement suggests the organization understands what Bohm brings offensively, even if management ultimately decided against paying him the qualifying-offer price.

BOHM’S NUMBERS STILL MAKE HIM INTERESTING

There are legitimate reasons Philadelphia might reconsider its decision through a different contract.

Bohm finished the 2026 regular season with a .249 batting average, 15 home runs, 29 doubles and 88 RBIs across 155 games.

His overall numbers were disappointing compared with some previous seasons, particularly after an extremely difficult opening stretch.

At one point, Bohm was hitting just .159 with a .433 OPS, raising questions about his place in the lineup.

However, his performance improved considerably after May 9.

From that point through the end of the regular season, he hit .274 with 14 home runs, 73 RBIs and a .773 OPS.

His production with runners in scoring position was particularly impressive, finishing with a .347 batting average in those situations.

That ability to deliver important hits is something the Phillies cannot automatically replace by allowing him to walk away.

Bohm also remains familiar with Philadelphia’s clubhouse, coaching staff and expectations. Finding another dependable run producer could cost the organization more than anticipated.

WHY A DIFFERENT CONTRACT COULD MAKE SENSE

If the Phillies are genuinely interested in retaining Bohm, the next negotiation should look considerably different from the qualifying offer.

A shorter contract with a lower annual salary could give both sides an opportunity to reach an agreement without forcing Philadelphia into an expensive long-term commitment.

The Phillies need to be careful about paying for past production rather than projecting what Bohm can realistically deliver over the next several seasons.

At 30, he still has time to contribute, but his defensive limitations and inconsistent offensive stretches cannot be ignored.

A reasonable contract would allow Philadelphia to retain a familiar right-handed bat while preserving enough financial flexibility to improve other positions.

There is also something to consider from Bohm’s perspective.

He has spent his entire major league career with Philadelphia and has publicly expressed interest in returning.

“I have no idea what to expect, but I’d love to be back,” Bohm said following the Phillies’ postseason elimination.

That does not guarantee a reunion, but it leaves the possibility open.

AIDAN MILLER AND BRYSON STOTT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

One reason the Phillies might be comfortable moving forward without Bohm is the number of infield possibilities available to them.

Top prospect Aidan Miller represents an important part of the organization’s future. Depending on his development and readiness, he could eventually become a major option for the third-base position.

Bryson Stott is another possibility.

Stott finished the 2026 season at third base, although his long-term position remains part of the organization’s larger infield conversation.

Philadelphia also has to consider how it wants to handle Trea Turner and second base heading into 2027.

These decisions are connected.

Bringing Bohm back could provide stability, but moving in another direction could create opportunities for younger players and potentially give the Phillies a different offensive and defensive combination.

The organization must determine whether keeping a familiar player is more valuable than using the opportunity to reshape the roster.

THE PHILLIES CANNOT AFFORD TO MAKE AN EMOTIONAL DECISION

There is a legitimate argument for bringing Bohm back, especially considering his ability to drive in runs.

However, Philadelphia cannot approach this offseason as though retaining every familiar player is automatically the best solution.

The Phillies have already experienced the frustration of falling short in October despite having an expensive roster.

Their next moves must address the weaknesses that have repeatedly prevented the organization from reaching its ultimate goal.

Bohm deserves consideration, but he should not receive a contract that prevents the Phillies from making more important upgrades.

If another team offers him significantly more money or a longer commitment, Philadelphia should be prepared to walk away.

That is the difference between building a competitive roster and simply trying to preserve the roster that already exists.

SHOULD THE PHILLIES BRING ALEC BOHM BACK?

My position is that Philadelphia should at least explore a reunion, but only at the right price.

Bohm’s 88 RBIs, experience and familiarity with the organization make him a valuable option. His improved production after a terrible opening stretch also suggests there is still offensive value worth considering.

However, the Phillies should avoid another expensive commitment simply because they are familiar with him.

A shorter deal with reasonable financial terms would be the ideal outcome.

If Bohm’s asking price becomes too expensive, the organization should explore other infield options and give its younger talent an opportunity.

The qualifying-offer decision has already removed one possible path to keeping Bohm. Now, the real test for Dombrowski is determining whether the Phillies can improve their roster without losing another productive piece.

For Phillies fans, this offseason could reveal just how serious the organization is about changing its approach.

Would you bring Alec Bohm back on a cheaper contract, or is it time for the Phillies to move on and give someone else the third-base job?