The Philadelphia Phillies enter this offseason at a pivotal moment.
After a fourth consecutive postseason exit — each more discouraging than the last — the team recognizes that its current roster probably isn’t built to win a championship. A few smart adjustments could change that, but there’s no guarantee the moves they make will be the right ones.
Amid the uncertainty, one player whose future appears most at risk is third baseman Alec Bohm. He was a frequent subject of trade rumors last year after his All-Star campaign, and now, with free agency only a year away, he’s viewed largely as a candidate who might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
As the offseason activity ramps up, one baseball writer envisions the Phillies moving on from Bohm in favor of an all-time great at third base — albeit one who carries his own uncertainties.
On Thursday, CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry reveal that Philadelphia would acquire eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove recipient Nolan Arenado, who is under contract with the St. Louis Cardinals for two more seasons.
“I do think he gets dealt out of St. Louis this offseason,” Perry wrote. “Arenado experienced further decline at the plate this past season, but he remains a top-tier defender at third base. This time around, Arenado has said he’s willing to approve a trade to more destinations than he was last offseason and, most critically, Cardinals ownership has said they’re willing to kick in more cash than they were in past trade discussions.
“It’s not hard to see Arenado as a 2 WAR-ish kind of player across a full season, and I think the Cardinals will pay enough of his remaining salary to make him moveable on the market. I’ll guess he lands with the Phillies.”
Such a move would raise plenty of questions for the Phillies. After three consecutive seasons of decline, it’s fair to wonder whether Arenado can return to being an above-average hitter. His leadership and presence in the clubhouse would certainly be a plus, though, and if anything could spark a rebound at the plate, it might be the inviting short porch in left field at Citizens Bank Park.
Another factor is how much of the $32 million remaining on Arenado’s contract the Phillies would be willing to absorb. Ultimately, any deal would hinge on Philadelphia deciding that Arenado is a better overall fit than Bohm — in every sense of the word.
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