The Philadelphia Phillies are making waves this offseason, with reports suggesting they may pursue three-time All-Star Alex Bregman. While Juan Soto has dominated headlines, Bregman has emerged as one of the most intriguing free agents available. After spending his entire nine-year career with the Houston Astros, including two World Series championships, Bregman could be on the move, and the Phillies might be a perfect fit.
Philadelphia’s need for a more consistent bat was evident during their postseason struggles, where their potent offense ran hot and cold. The addition of Bregman, a disciplined hitter with extensive playoff experience, could provide the stability the Phillies crave. His .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2023, coupled with his elite defense, makes him a strong candidate to boost both the offense and infield defense.
However, there’s a complication: the Phillies already have an All-Star third baseman in Alec Bohm. At just 27 years old, Bohm is coming off a strong season and remains under affordable team control for a few more years. Trading him would be the logical move if Bregman joins the team, but it won’t be an easy decision given Bohm’s development and first-half consistency in 2023.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, if Bohm is dealt, the Phillies are expected to make a “strong play” for Bregman. Alternatively, they could target Willy Adames, moving him to third base. While Adames is a quality option, Bregman’s bat-to-ball skills and postseason pedigree make him the ideal addition.
Trading Bohm would likely attract significant interest from teams around the league. He’s proven himself as a reliable hitter and has shown improvement year over year. Philadelphia could leverage his value to fill other roster gaps while positioning themselves to make a splash with Bregman.
With John Middleton’s willingness to spend big, a potential $200 million deal for Bregman seems plausible. The Phillies’ familiarity with his talents—having faced him in the World Series—further underscores their interest. If the Phillies pull the trigger on a trade and sign Bregman, they could emerge as one of the league’s most well-rounded contenders in 2024.
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