Alec Bohm hasn’t had the start to the new season he planned for, but the Phillies’ All-Star third baseman’s slump has been more unlucky than anything.
It’s difficult for athletes to compete in Philadelphia. The fans have a particular expectation, regardless of the team—the Eagles, Sixers, Flyers, or Phillies.
Since his 2020 debut, Alec Bohm, a Phillies All-Star third baseman, has experienced a wild ride in the City of Brotherly Love. Bohm has had to mature quickly with the Phillies after receiving criticism for his subpar defensive play, his viral “I f—cking hate this place” incident, and his tantrum-like behaviors.
Bohm finished second in the National League’s 2020 Rookie of the Year voting, but he truly started to shine in 2023. He struck out just 94 times while hitting.274 with 31 doubles, 20 home runs, and 97 RBIs. After finishing the 2024 season with a.280 batting average, tied for third place in the majors with 44 home runs, 15 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 86 strikeouts in 143 games, the former third overall choice was chosen for his first All-Star Game.
The 28-year-old has had a rough start to the 2025 season.
Alec Bohm has been incredibly unlucky so far this season
The typical early to middle of the lineup hitter has fallen as low as eighth in the order in 2025, and going into Friday’s game, Bohm is slashing.173/.184/.227 with a.411 OPS, three extra-base hits, five RBI, one walk, and 16 strikeouts through his first 18 games this season.
“It’s probably try to care a little less about results — and probably think that sucked still,” Bohm said about his early season problems, according MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. It goes without saying that I will be a different player tomorrow, a week from now, or a month from now. Simply having faith in what I’ve done—I’ve prepared, I’ve worked, I’ve done everything I can.”
There are reasons to think Bohm will emerge from his slump and produce at the level he is capable of, even though his numbers don’t seem to support it.
According to Statcast, Bohm’s slugging % and his anticipated slugging percentage were 168 points apart going into Friday’s series start against the Miami Marlins. His anticipated weighted on-base average was 98 points higher than his present value, while his expected batting average was 73 points higher than his actual average.
Bohm is hitting the ball hard; his hard hit rate of 49.2 percent and his exit velocity of 91.0 mph are both higher than the major league average. The Phillies’ All-Star third baseman is having to learn the hard way that baseball isn’t easy.
