The Philadelphia Phillies, despite clinching the National League East title in 2024 for the first time in over a decade, experienced a disappointing end to their season with an early exit in the NLDS against the New York Mets. This outcome, coupled with the Mets’ acquisition of star outfielder Juan Soto, has fueled speculation about potential roster shakeups in Philadelphia. President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, has hinted at the possibility of significant moves this offseason, emphasizing the need to explore all options and acknowledging the potential of trading established players to acquire other valuable assets. This openness to change has ignited discussions about a potential blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox involving All-Star caliber players.
One of the names circulating in trade rumors is Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm. Despite a productive 2024 season, marked by 15 home runs, 44 doubles, and 97 RBI, Bohm’s name has surfaced as a potential trade piece. A hypothetical trade scenario proposed by FanSided’s Zach Pressnell involves sending Bohm, along with three highly-regarded prospects – outfielder Justin Crawford, right-handed pitcher Mick Abel, and infielder Devin Saltiban – to the White Sox in exchange for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet. This trade would represent a significant gamble for the Phillies, sacrificing a young core of promising talent for two established major league players.
The potential acquisition of Robert and Crochet would undoubtedly bolster the Phillies’ roster, addressing key areas of need. Robert, a Silver Slugger Award winner in 2023, brings a potent offensive presence, having smashed 38 home runs and driven in 80 runs that season. His power and speed would provide a much-needed boost to the Phillies’ lineup, potentially filling the void left by the Mets’ acquisition of Soto. Crochet, coming off an All-Star season with an impressive 209 strikeouts in 146 innings, would inject a high-octane arm into the Phillies’ pitching rotation. His ability to generate strikeouts and control the game would be a valuable asset in a competitive National League East.
However, the proposed trade carries significant risks. The Phillies would be parting ways with three top-10 prospects, including Crawford, Abel, and Saltiban, who represent the future of the franchise. While the immediate impact of Robert and Crochet would be undeniable, the long-term implications of sacrificing such promising young talent must be carefully considered. The Phillies would be effectively mortgaging their future for a chance at immediate contention, a strategy that carries both potential rewards and significant risks.
The financial aspects of the trade also warrant consideration. Robert is entering the final guaranteed year of his six-year, $50 million contract, with two club options for 2026 and 2027 at $20 million each. The Phillies would need to evaluate whether they are willing to absorb the potential financial burden of exercising these options, especially considering the long-term financial commitments to other players. Crochet, on the other hand, is projected to earn a relatively modest $2.9 million next year and is under team control through arbitration until 2026, presenting a more manageable financial commitment.
The decision facing the Phillies is a complex one, balancing the immediate benefits of acquiring established stars with the long-term implications of surrendering promising young talent. The potential trade with the White Sox represents a high-stakes gamble, a bold move with the potential to reshape the Phillies’ trajectory in the competitive National League landscape. Whether or not the Phillies decide to pull the trigger on such a trade will depend on their assessment of the risks and rewards, and their willingness to sacrifice long-term stability for a chance at immediate contention.
