The Cleveland Guardians head into the offseason with an obvious opening at first base and a lineup that needs more punch. Nathaniel Lowe and Rhys Hoskins are both free agents, and top prospect Ralphy Velazquez may not be ready to take over on Opening Day. That puts Cleveland in the market for a veteran bat who can handle first base and fill in elsewhere when needed. One name worth watching is Alec Bohm, a longtime Philadelphia Phillies infielder who is headed to free agency after six full seasons. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand broke down Bohm’s free agent case this month, and he pointed to how strongly the veteran finished the year after a terrible start.
“From May 9 through the end of the season, Bohm slashed .274/.340/.433 with 14 home runs and 73 RBIs in 120 games, helping the Phillies overcome a sluggish start to secure a Wild Card berth.” Feinsand wrote.
The early part of Bohm’s year was rough. Through his first 35 games, he hit just .159 with one home run and fifteen RBIs, and a .171 batting average on balls in play suggests bad luck played a part. He still finished the season with fifteen homers, 88 RBIs and a .249 average over 155 games.
The biggest reason to consider him is his right-handed bat. The Guardians’ lineup leans heavily on left-handed and switch hitters, and that showed against left-handed pitching in the postseason. The White Sox used lefty after lefty to quiet Cleveland’s offense early in the division series, and Lowe hit just .111 against lefties during the regular season. Bohm posted an .816 OPS against left-handers this year, which would give Stephen Vogt a valuable option.
His versatility fits, too. Bohm can play first base and third base, so he could hold down first until Velazquez is ready, take at bats at designated hitter, and give José RamÃrez an occasional day off at third. He also has a track record. The Phillies took him with the third overall pick in 2018, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2020, and he made the All-Star team in 2024, when he hit .280 with 97 RBIs.
His price might be right, too. Feinsand reported that one executive expects Bohm to get multiyear offers at lower annual salaries than he may want, and that he could prefer a one-year deal to rebuild his value. A short, affordable contract for a proven run producer fits the way the Guardians usually build their roster.
Cleveland needs more offense, and Bohm would not solve every problem. But a right-handed bat who has driven in runs year after year could be worth a long look this winter.
NEXT: Young Guardians Player Has The Tools For Breakout Season
