The Philadelphia Phillies’ blockbuster acquisition of four-time All-Star Luis Arraez has sparked fresh debate about the future of infielder Alec Bohm, with one prominent MLB analyst arguing the club should remove him from the everyday lineup rather than reshuffle the rest of the defense.
After acquiring Arraez at the trade deadline, the Phillies reorganized their defensive alignment to keep the three-time batting champion at his preferred position of second base. That plan shifted Bryce Harper back to right field, Bryson Stott to third base, and Alec Bohm across the diamond to first base.
However, not everyone believes that’s the best solution.
According to Forbes, Keith Law argued the Phillies would be better off moving Stott to third, leaving Arraez at second, and taking Bohm “to the bench or beyond” instead of asking Harper to return to the outfield after recovering from elbow surgery. Law questioned whether Bohm’s recent offensive and defensive struggles justify keeping him in the lineup, especially with the 30-year-old set to become a free agent after the season.
Law also suggested Bohm’s trade value has diminished because of his production and salary, adding that Philadelphia has little long-term incentive to continue giving him regular playing time if he is no longer part of the club’s future plans.
The criticism has fueled discussion among baseball analysts and fans, but the Phillies have shown no indication that they intend to make such a drastic move. Instead, the organization appears committed to its new alignment, with Bohm taking over at first base while Harper returns to right field and Arraez settles in at second.
For now, Bohm remains part of Philadelphia’s everyday plans, but his role will likely remain under scrutiny as the Phillies push toward the postseason with their revamped roster.
