The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to pursue an interesting trade with an American League contender.
After a frustrating playoff loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia is projected to be active this offseason. While they plan to add pieces, they may also trim the roster.
Jake Storiale of Talkin’ Yankees believes the Phillies will send Alec Bohm and Orion Kerkering to the New York Yankees in exchange for several prospects.
“The Yankees have some talented arm prospects that are interesting,” Storiale said. “I don’t think there is anything on the Major League roster that Philly would really be eyeing. Bohm is projected to make around $10 (million) and Orion Kerkering is around the minimum.”
The deal appears logical for both teams. New York would receive Bohm, a flexible infielder who could settle into the lower part of the lineup, along with a reliever who might benefit from a new environment.
Philadelphia, in turn, would gain pitching prospects who could either be used in future deadline trades or developed internally. Since neither Bohm nor Kerkering is seen as a long-term cornerstone, moving both players is a realistic possibility.
Bohm posted a .287 average with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs last year. Kerkering recorded an 8 and 4 record with a 3.30 ERA across 69 appearances.
Bohm’s name has surfaced in trade discussions heading into the offseason.
The Phillies might attempt to restructure parts of their roster, and Bohm could be viewed as movable. MLB insider Jon Morosi referenced Bohm as a trade candidate during the GM meetings.
“One trade they could make is Alec Bohm at third base. He’s been someone who has shown you All-Star level production, but the consistency has not always been there,” Morosi said on MLB Network on Wednesday. …
“If the Phillies were to move Bohm, in my judgment, it would have to be because they think there’s a chance of getting a Bregman or they’re one of the teams potentially that could look at a Bo Bichette at a spot that’s not shortstop. There’s different ways they could augment their club, but you would have to have a clear upgrade on Bohm if you’re gonna go ahead and make that trade.”
If Philadelphia decides to trade Bohm, it would require the right return. Morosi still sees a real possibility that he is dealt this offseason.
Even though the Phillies were knocked out in the NLDS, executive Dave Dombrowski remains optimistic.
Dombrowski expects to operate boldly this winter because he believes the team is very close to surpassing the Dodgers and reaching the World Series.
“We’re close to them,” Dombrowski said. “We battled them, and I think we’re in the same neighborhood. But we didn’t beat them, and we have work in order to do that.”
Despite the loss, Dombrowski does not feel a major overhaul is necessary.
“Needs to be more change?” Dombrowski said. “We won 96 games. You’re always looking to get better, so we will be open-minded to that. There’s some built-in situations for us that are going to have to be addressed. So, where you go as a club is very much dictated on some of those moves that end up happening. We also have some young players that are going to mesh into our club.”
Philadelphia won the NL East title last season.