Manager Rob Thomson Confirms Phillies Aren’t Shopping Alec Bohm Despite Persistent Trade Rumors
As the 2025 MLB season gains momentum, one of the more persistent storylines in Philadelphia has centered around third baseman Alec Bohm. Despite a rocky start to the season and mounting speculation from media and fans alike, Phillies manager Rob Thomson has stepped forward to firmly quell trade rumors—asserting that the club is not shopping the 27-year-old infielder.
In an era when front offices are increasingly open to moving core players in the name of flexibility, Thomson’s comments were significant—not just for what they revealed about Bohm’s place in the organization, but also for what they said about the Phillies’ broader vision and team culture.
The Rumors: A Product of Performance and Pressure
Trade speculation around Bohm intensified during the early months of the 2025 season. Through his first 50+ plate appearances, Bohm was slashing just .158/.172/.175, with only a handful of extra-base hits and limited offensive impact. For a player who has long been praised for his contact-first approach and clutch hitting, the drop in production was jarring.
The struggles weren’t new either—Bohm had endured inconsistency throughout stretches of the 2024 campaign, raising long-term questions about his ceiling. With top prospects emerging in the Phillies’ farm system, including utility players with infield potential, analysts began theorizing that Bohm might be a trade chip rather than a building block.
Whispers grew louder when multiple national baseball writers floated potential fits between the Phillies and other clubs in need of a controllable third baseman. Speculation ran rampant that Philadelphia might be positioning themselves to offload Bohm in return for bullpen help or outfield depth.
Thomson Sets the Record Straight
Against this backdrop, Rob Thomson’s recent comments were unambiguous. Speaking during a pregame media session earlier this week, the Phillies manager stated:
“We’re not shopping Alec. He’s part of our core and we believe in what he brings—both in the clubhouse and on the field. Every team listens when the phone rings, but that doesn’t mean we’re actively trying to move him.”
This statement—while leaving the door open for theoretical offers—put to rest the idea that the Phillies were initiating discussions around Bohm. It was a needed reset, especially given the emotional and psychological toll trade rumors can take on players.
Thomson, known for his measured tone and loyalty to his players, emphasized that slumps are a part of baseball—and that Bohm, like any professional, is working through his.
Why the Phillies Still Believe in Bohm
1. Clubhouse Leadership
One often-overlooked component of Bohm’s value is his quiet leadership. A steady presence in the clubhouse, Bohm has been a respected voice among younger players and a glue guy for team chemistry. His ability to take criticism head-on—especially after his infamous “I hate this place” moment in 2022—has turned him into a symbol of accountability in Philadelphia.
Thomson and team president Dave Dombrowski have both commented publicly in recent years about the “maturity arc” Bohm has followed. Trading him now could undermine the leadership dynamics the team has cultivated.
2. Defensive Improvement
Though Bohm entered the league with serious questions about his glove, he has made steady defensive improvements at third base. In 2024, advanced metrics showed a career-best fielding percentage and improved lateral quickness. His positioning and first-step reactions have improved dramatically under infield coach Bobby Dickerson.
Defensive value is often underappreciated in public discourse, but the Phillies’ front office has clearly noticed.
3. Cost Control and Roster Flexibility
Alec Bohm is still under team control through 2026, making him a relatively affordable option at a premium defensive position. In a league where free-agent spending is increasingly volatile, retaining cost-effective contributors is crucial for long-term roster flexibility.
If the Phillies were to trade Bohm, they would need to replace him not only with a similarly capable bat but also one with contractual upside—a tall order in today’s market.
4. Power Potential and Track Record
Despite his slow start in 2025, Bohm has shown flashes of raw power and above-average contact ability throughout his career. In 2023 and 2024, he posted consecutive seasons with double-digit home runs, over 70 RBIs, and a batting average north of .270.
Analysts note that some of Bohm’s poor early-season performance may be tied to bad luck on balls in play, a slight dip in launch angle, and overly aggressive plate appearances—all of which are correctable.
Thomson said, “He’s just missing pitches he normally drives. His timing’s off, but the mechanics are still there. When Alec locks in, we know what he’s capable of.”
The Fan Reaction
Phillies fans, a notoriously passionate group, have had mixed reactions. Social media posts range from calling for a trade to celebrating Bohm’s resilience following his first home run of 2025, which came just days after Thomson’s statement. The home run—an opposite-field shot in a high-leverage at-bat—was a reminder of what Bohm can do when he’s locked in.
Fan debates on Bohm mirror those around many mid-tier MLB stars: Is he a future All-Star, or merely a serviceable role player? Is his ceiling still ahead, or has he plateaued?
Whatever the consensus, one thing is clear—Bohm remains a polarizing, but central, figure in the Phillies’ narrative.
Could They Still Trade Him?
It’s important to note that Thomson’s statement didn’t completely shut the door on a trade. “We’re always open to conversations,” he said, a typical refrain in modern front office lingo. No player is truly untouchable—especially not one who has yet to fully break through into elite status.
Should the Phillies find themselves in need of deadline reinforcements—especially in the bullpen or outfield—Bohm could theoretically be included in a blockbuster. But that’s a scenario the Phillies seem far from pursuing at this stage.
Bohm’s Response and Mentality
To his credit, Alec Bohm has taken the rumors in stride. When asked about the trade talk, he said simply:
“It’s out of my hands. I know what I can do, and I’ve got a job to do here. That’s where my focus is.”
It’s a pragmatic, no-frills answer from a player who has come to embrace the challenges of playing in Philadelphia—a city that demands accountability, effort, and toughness.
What Comes Next?
For now, the Phillies appear committed to riding out Bohm’s slump with patience and perspective. With a manager like Rob Thomson at the helm and a supportive clubhouse behind him, Bohm has every opportunity to right the ship.
Whether he emerges from the 2025 season as a pillar of the franchise or a trade chip ultimately depends on his performance—but the Phillies are clearly betting on him.
And in baseball, that vote of confidence can make all the difference.
Leave a Reply