The Phillies are back, but for how long can they keep their championship window open? After a heart-wrenching early exit in the 2025 playoffs, the team faces a pivotal 2026 season with high stakes and even higher expectations. With the fifth-best World Series odds (+1500 via FanDuel), the Phillies are banking on their core roster to deliver—but time is ticking, especially for third baseman Alec Bohm, who enters his contract year with free agency looming large.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Bohm, a contact-over-power hitter, is slotted into the cleanup spot—a role traditionally reserved for sluggers. Can he defy convention and thrive in this position, or will his lack of power become the team’s Achilles’ heel come October? Let’s dive in.
Alec Bohm: The Cleanup Conundrum
Alec Bohm has been a fixture at third base since 2022, but his journey hasn’t been without bumps. In 2023, he solidified his role as the unquestioned starter, hitting .274 with a career-best 20 home runs and 97 RBIs. His solo shot in Game 7 of the 2023 NLCS kept the Phillies alive—until they ultimately fell to the Diamondbacks. And this is the part most people miss: Bohm’s postseason heroics often get overshadowed by his inconsistent regular-season performances.
In 2024, Bohm earned his first All-Star nod after a strong first half, but he fizzled in the second half and had a disastrous NLDS against the Mets. Fans called for lineup changes, and trade rumors swirled. Yet, he stayed. In 2025, he posted a career-best .287 batting average but saw his power numbers drop to just 11 home runs and 59 RBIs. Is Bohm’s approach—prioritizing contact over power—sustainable in a lineup that desperately needs both?
Bohm himself acknowledges the unconventional nature of his role. “I’m not a prototypical four hitter,” he told MLB.com. “I put the ball in play. I’m contact over power.” But in a league obsessed with home runs, can this strategy work in the cleanup spot? Or is Bohm’s presence there a gamble the Phillies can’t afford?
NL East Shakeup: The Competition Heats Up
The NL East third base landscape has shifted dramatically in 2026. Here’s how Bohm stacks up against his division rivals:
| Player, Club | 2025 Slash Line | 2026 Proj. | 2025 WAR (Gms) |
|--------------------|-----------------|--------------------|-----------------|
| Alec Bohm, PHI | .287/.331/.409 | .276/.328/.429 | 1.5 (120) |
| Bo Bichette, NYM | .311/.357/.483 | .288/.335/.446 | 3.5 (139) |
| Austin Riley, ATL | .260/.309/.428 | .265/.327/.467 | 1.3 (102) |
| Connor Norby, MIA | .251/.300/.389 | .251/.309/.410 | 0.7 (88) |
| Brady House, WSH | .234/.252/.322 | .250/.293/.378 | -0.6 (73) |
Bold move by the Mets: Signing Bo Bichette in free agency not only strengthens their lineup but also blocks the Phillies from acquiring him. Will this move haunt the Phillies all season? Or can Bohm prove he’s the better fit for Philadelphia’s needs?
The Future is Knocking: Aidan Miller Waits in the Wings
While Bohm navigates his contract year, top infield prospect Aidan Miller is making waves in camp. With Edmundo Sosa ready to fill in across the infield and Otto Kemp providing bench depth, the Phillies have options. But the bigger question remains: Is Bohm’s time in Philadelphia coming to an end?
Miller’s presence adds urgency to Bohm’s performance. If Bohm can’t deliver in 2026, the Phillies may look to the future sooner than expected. And with free agency on the horizon, Bohm’s every at-bat could be his last in red pinstripes.
Final Thoughts: Can Bohm Prove the Doubters Wrong?
Alec Bohm’s 2026 season is more than just a contract year—it’s a referendum on his role in the Phillies’ lineup and his place in the league. Can he thrive as an unconventional cleanup hitter, or will his lack of power become a liability? And with Aidan Miller waiting in the wings, how much longer will the Phillies stick with Bohm?
What do you think? Is Bohm the right man for the cleanup spot, or should the Phillies make a change? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
