Securing the 2024 All-Star third baseman could be the key move that transforms them from playoff contenders into legitimate World Series contenders.
The Kansas City Royals, fresh off an unexpected postseason run in 2024, are
poised to take the next step toward championship contention. With young
stars like Bobby Witt Jr. leading the charge, the Royals showed they are closer
than many expected to returning to the upper echelons of the American
League. However, despite their success, there remains a glaring hole in their
lineup: a big bat to complement Witt in the middle of the order.
While the Royals’ surprise run to the AL Division Series was propelled by a
stellar performance from Witt, the team’s offensive depth was exposed when
Witt struggled during the playoffs. With the postseason spotlight revealing
Kansas City’s need for additional firepower, the Royals are actively pursuing
ways to bolster their lineup for 2025. One of the most intriguing names that
has surfaced in trade rumors is Alec Bohm, the 2024 All-Star third baseman
from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Bohm, who was once a highly-touted prospect and the third overall pick in the
2018 MLB Draft, is a player whose career has been filled with ups and downs.
In 2024, he appeared to be on the verge of fulfilling his potential, ranking
among the league’s leaders in RBI and doubles before an unfortunate slump
and a hand injury cut his season short. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance,
Bohm’s time in Philadelphia has been a rollercoaster. His defensive
inconsistencies and the relentless expectations in Philadelphia have led to a
strained relationship with some fans.
For the Royals, however, Bohm could be just the type of player they need to
add some thump to their lineup. MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams recently
named Kansas City as a potential trade partner for Bohm, noting that while
Bohm might not be the high-impact slugger the Royals are searching for, he
would provide a solid veteran presence. Bohm’s contact-heavy style of hitting
and solid, though not spectacular, power could pair well with Witt, who
already has the potential to be a superstar. The key here is that Bohm is a
reliable bat with room to grow, and at just 28 years old, he may benefit from a
change of scenery, similar to how other players have thrived when leaving the
intense spotlight of Philadelphia.
The Royals have already made moves to support Witt, trading for Jonathan
India from the Cincinnati Reds to provide stability at the leadoff spot. But
there’s still a need for another run producer, someone who can consistently
drive in runs and provide protection for Witt in the lineup. Bohm’s ability to
get on base and drive in runs in the middle of the order would offer just that.
His profile as a contact hitter with gap power fits well in the Royals’ offense,
which is built around putting the ball in play rather than relying on power-
heavy sluggers.
However, any trade for Bohm will come with a steep price. The Phillies would
likely demand a combination of major-league players and top prospects in
return. The Royals’ depth, especially in their pitching staff, could make them
an ideal trade partner. While the Phillies have an established rotation, they
could use more depth, particularly in the bullpen, and the Royals have several
young arms that could appeal to the Phillies. A deal that sends both big-league
players and prospects to Philadelphia might be the best way to land Bohm.
The potential benefits for the Royals are clear. Bohm’s addition would give
them a proven bat to hit behind Witt and add another veteran presence to the
clubhouse. A change of scenery in Kansas City could be exactly what Bohm
needs to unlock his full potential, free from the pressure cooker environment
of Philadelphia. If the Royals can pull off this trade, they would significantly
improve their chances of returning to the postseason and making a deeper run
in 2025.
But it won’t be easy. The Phillies may receive offers from other teams, and they
might prefer to keep Bohm, especially if he rebounds from his struggles in
2024. The Royals will have to act quickly and be ready to meet the Phillies’
demands if they want to add the missing piece to their lineup.
As Kansas City continues to build a competitive roster, the pursuit of Alec
Bohm is a clear indication that the Royals are serious about their window of
contention. If they can land the 2024 All-Star third baseman, it could be the
move that pushes them from playoff contenders to World Series hopefuls.
