Alec Bohm: The Enigma of Potential and Underperformance

Alec Bohm, once heralded as the future cornerstone of the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup, is quickly becoming a divisive figure among baseball fans. With his raw talent, exceptional hitting ability, and imposing presence at third base, it was easy to envision him evolving into one of the league’s top players. Yet, as the years go by, questions loom over whether he can truly fulfill his immense potential, and whether his inconsistency is a sign of things to come.

The expectations for Bohm have always been high, especially after his impressive debut season in 2020, where he seemed to effortlessly handle big league pitching and proved he could compete at the highest level. His potential to become an All-Star player was clear, but as time has passed, his performance has been anything but steady. Critics are beginning to wonder whether Bohm is simply another highly-touted prospect who fails to live up to the hype, a fate all too common in the MLB.

Bohm’s biggest struggle lies in his defense. Despite being a former third overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, his glove has often been a liability. With inconsistent footwork, throwing errors, and struggles with handling routine plays, Bohm’s defensive shortcomings have raised alarms. For a team like the Phillies, which has invested heavily in their roster to contend for championships, a shaky defense at a key position is a glaring issue. While his bat has been serviceable, it’s his inability to lock down third base that may ultimately limit his career trajectory.

At the plate, Bohm has shown flashes of brilliance but has been unable to sustain consistent production. In 2021, he hit for average, but his power numbers were far from impressive. The lack of extra-base hits, especially in crucial moments, has been a noticeable problem. With more advanced pitching across the league, Bohm’s bat hasn’t adapted the way many experts anticipated. The fact that he still struggles against breaking balls and high-velocity pitches speaks volumes about his ongoing development. It raises doubts about whether he can evolve into the feared hitter the Phillies need him to be.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Bohm has still shown glimpses of what he could become if he can find consistency in both aspects of his game. The tools are undoubtedly there, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that it may take a long time—or possibly a change of scenery—for him to truly reach his potential. The pressure mounting on him to perform is undeniable, and whether or not he can turn the corner is a question that hangs over his career like a dark cloud.

In a game where production is paramount, there is little room for sentimentality. While the Phillies may hope that Bohm can iron out his issues, time is not on his side. The franchise may soon have to make a tough decision—whether to double down on his development or move on from the once-promising young talent. For fans who believed in Alec Bohm’s potential, the wait for consistency may be one that ultimately ends in disappointment.

As the 2025 season approaches, Bohm faces a defining year. Whether he rises to the occasion or succumbs to the weight of expectation could shape his legacy—and potentially the future of the Phillies.