Can Alec Bohm Take Another Power Step for the Phillies in 2024?
As the Philadelphia Phillies look to continue building on their success in recent seasons, one of the key players they will be watching closely is third baseman Alec Bohm. After a solid yet inconsistent start to his career, 2023 marked a year where Bohm showed significant growth both offensively and defensively. With the 2024 season on the horizon, the big question is whether he can take another step forward, particularly in terms of his power output, and become a more consistent middle-of-the-order bat for the Phillies.
Bohm, who was drafted by the Phillies with the third overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, was widely regarded as a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect with the potential to hit for both average and power. However, his first two years in the majors were a mixed bag. His rookie year in 2020 was full of promise, as he posted a .338/.400/.481 line in a shortened season, showing flashes of his raw ability. But in 2021, he experienced a sophomore slump, with his batting average dipping to .247 and his power output failing to materialize.
It wasn’t until 2022 that Bohm began to show more consistency. He still didn’t hit for the kind of power the Phillies hoped for when they drafted him, but his contact skills and ability to make solid contact became more reliable. In 2023, Bohm’s growth was even more evident, particularly in the second half of the season, as he finished with a career-high .280 batting average, an on-base percentage of .314, and an OPS of .748. However, despite this leap forward, Bohm’s slugging percentage was still relatively modest at .424, and he hit just 16 home runs across 155 games.
The Need for Power in the Middle of the Lineup
The Phillies have developed into one of the most potent offenses in Major League Baseball, thanks in large part to the contributions of sluggers like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto. However, as potent as their offense is, there are still areas where they can improve, particularly in terms of production from the middle of the order.
The Phillies’ lineup is built around power, and while they have the heavy hitters in Harper, Schwarber, and Realmuto, they need contributions from other spots in the lineup, especially in the form of a balanced hitter who can provide contact and power. Bohm, as one of the few players on the team who has the potential to hit for both average and power, could be a critical piece in the team’s quest to improve offensively. If Bohm can take a further step forward in his power development, he could help solidify the Phillies’ lineup and provide them with another big bat to protect their core players.
Bohm’s Power Development: What Needs to Change?
The most obvious area for Bohm to improve is his raw power. While he’s consistently hit for average, his slugging percentage has lagged behind his contact numbers. In 2023, Bohm posted a .424 slugging percentage, which was a solid figure but well below the level expected from a middle-of-the-order hitter. His 16 home runs were respectable, but they didn’t reflect the power potential that many saw in him when he was a top prospect.
To take the next step as a power hitter, Bohm will need to refine his swing and focus on improving his ability to lift the ball. His ground ball rate has been relatively high over the past few years, sitting at around 46-48%. While he’s done a good job of making contact, he hasn’t yet fully harnessed the ability to consistently elevate the ball, an important trait for power hitters.
One area where Bohm can improve is his exit velocity. In 2023, his average exit velocity was 89.9 mph, which is decent but still below the league average for power hitters. A slight increase in exit velocity especially on balls he hits in the air could lead to more home runs and extra-base hits. Additionally, improving his launch angle would allow him to maximize his potential to drive the ball out of the park. Bohm doesn’t necessarily need to become a 40-home run hitter overnight, but a consistent 25-30 home run season would go a long way toward giving the Phillies the middle-of-the-order presence they need.
Another area for improvement is his plate discipline. While Bohm doesn’t strike out excessively, his walk rate could improve, as he walked just 7.5% of the time in 2023. By improving his patience at the plate and working deeper counts, Bohm would not only increase his on-base percentage but also get more opportunities to drive pitches that he can handle, which would likely result in more power production.
Bohm’s Defensive Stability and Role in the Lineup
Alec Bohm’s growth isn’t limited to his offensive capabilities. His defense has also been a point of focus, particularly in 2023, when he made significant strides at third base. While he had struggled with some of the finer aspects of his defense early in his career, Bohm has become a reliable presence at the hot corner. His improved defensive metrics and confidence in the field have made him an asset on both sides of the ball.
With his defense solidifying, the Phillies can afford to be more patient with Bohm’s development as a hitter. If Bohm can continue to play solid defense, it will allow the Phillies to place him in a position where they can afford to give him more opportunities to grow offensively without worrying about his defensive shortcomings.
As for his place in the lineup, it seems likely that Bohm will continue to occupy the middle of the order in 2024. Manager Rob Thomson will need to find the right balance between pushing Bohm to reach his power potential while also not sacrificing the consistency he has shown at the plate. A spot in the 5th or 6th position in the lineup would give him plenty of opportunities to drive in runs, especially with a potent top of the order consisting of players like Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.
Looking Ahead to 2024: Can Bohm Take the Next Step?
In 2024, the key question surrounding Alec Bohm will be whether he can take that next power step. The potential is there, and he has shown signs of improvement, but whether that translates into a significant power increase will depend on his ability to adjust his swing mechanics, refine his plate discipline, and make the necessary tweaks to maximize his power.
If Bohm can elevate his power numbers, he would provide the Phillies with a much-needed extra source of offensive production. While he may never become a true 40-homer slugger, a consistent 25-30 home runs combined with his batting average would make him a very valuable piece in an already potent lineup.
For the Phillies, a productive Bohm is more than just a statistical boost it could be the difference in making their already dangerous offense even more formidable. As the Phillies continue their championship pursuit, Alec Bohm’s development could play a pivotal role in their success, and 2024 could be the year that he finally puts it all together.
