The Philadelphia Phillies considered a major offseason move without pulling the trigger, but it might not be too late.
After earning an All-Star nod with a stellar first half in 2024, third baseman Alec Bohm saw a second-half slump persist into the playoffs and drive trade speculation this past winter.
“The Phillies considered altering their roster after an early playoff exit and he was viewed as a player who could bring something meaningful back in a trade,” according to a February update from NBC Sports Philadelphia. “The right offer never materialized…”
Though the Phillies have held onto Bohm, they might wish they pulled the trigger earlier. With a .228/.267/.283 slash line, no homers and a -0.8 WAR in his first 127 at-bats for 2025, he’s been a disappointment by virtually every measure.
At this point in the season, the Phillies might not be able to find an intriguing trade partner for him. But they could turn to a surprising slugger who has been dominating Triple-A as a replacement.
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“Tremendous,” manager Rob Thomson said, when asked about Otto Kemp, per On Pattison’s Tim Kelly. “It’s on-base, it’s slug, the defense has been solid. He’s had a great start to the year.”
After going undrafted following his Division II college career, Kemp has an outstanding .344/.433/1.136 slash line with 10 homers through his first 128 at-bats. Perhaps even more intriguing, though, is some defensive versatility that could help Kemp find a home on the big-league team.
“I think he has the ability to play all over,” Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly said, per Kelly. “I think third base is his best spot… I think third base is his most natural spot.”
If Kemp’s hot start grows, the Phillies might consider calling him up. And third base could be up for grabs if Bohm doesn’t improve.
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