Alec Bohm: Phillies 2020 Rookie Of The Year

A lot of things went wrong for the 2020 Phillies, from a historically bad bullpen to a ninth straight season of no playoffs.

Rookie third baseman Alec Bohm most definitely was not one of the things that went wrong.

When the Phillies put out the call for more offense in mid August, the lanky, 6-foot-5 third baseman came up, delivered big hit after big hit and solidified himself as one of the team’s major foundational talents.

In 43 games, Bohm hit .338/.400/.481. He had 11 doubles, four home runs and 23 RBIs. He led the majors with a .452 average with runners in scoring position.

Bohm, 24, was billed as a total package in the batter’s box with selectivity and the ability to hit for average and power when the Phillies picked him No. 3 overall out of Wichita State in 2018.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi saw all of that and more, praising Bohm’s contact ability and strike-zone knowledge as well as his hitting and power potential.

“I think his approach is great,” Girardi said. “He’s not a guy who just looks to leave the ballpark. He looks to drive the ball gap to gap and, as you mature as a player and a man, those gap-to-gap line drives become homers. I believe this kid really knows how to hit and it’s going to continue.

“And his heartbeat is really impressive. Big situations . . . they don’t bother him.”

Bryce Harper, who has 11 more years on his contract, is enthused about playing with Bohm.

“He’s got a great swing,” Harper said. “It’s kind of that little swing in a big man’s body—his two-stroke approach, the way he goes to right field and then hits homers to right and left. The bigger he gets, the better he gets.

“He’s going to be a possible MVP player for us. I know that’s high praise, but I believe in him.”

There have been questions about Bohm’s defense at third base. He started six of his final 13 games at first base following an injury to Rhys Hoskins and played well. 

Wherever he settles, Bohm will provide the Phillies with a dangerous bat.