Phillies predicted to sign $140M injury-prone power bat, putting Alec Bohm's future in doubt

Hunter Cookston

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Phillies predicted to sign $140M injury-prone power bat, putting Alec Bohm's future in doubt image

The Philadelphia Phillies have been on the cusp of the World Series since acquiring Bryce Harper and consistently make the playoffs. However, at the end of this season, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski raised some red flags regarding his franchise star. When asked about Harper’s future, he somewhat downplayed his 2025 season.

“He didn’t have an elite season like he has in the past. I guess we only find out if he becomes elite [again] or he continues to be good...Can he rise to the next level again? I don't really know that answer,” Dombrowski told the media.

While Harper’s situation is noteworthy, the free agency market is heating up. One move that seems likely is a change involving Nick Castellanos, whether through a release or trade.

“It has been apparent for the past few months that Castellanos’ time with the organization would probably come to an end this winter. He hasn’t performed up to expectations for most of his time in Philly. He’s coming off a career-worst.250/.294/.400 batting line and lost playing time in the second half,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco wrote.

On the free agency front, Justbaseball.com’s Ryan Finkelstein believes the Phillies could sign Japanese star Munetaka Murakami.

“Despite being limited to 56 games in 2025, Murakami hit 24 home runs and looked more like the slugger who set that record in 2022. This is a three true outcomes hitter, who could lead MLB in strikeouts in 2026, but also could be near the top of the leaderboards in home runs,” Finkelstein wrote. “If Kyle Schwarber does not re-sign with the Phillies, they are going to need a replacement and Murakami could fit the bill at DH. They also can play Murakami at third base, where he would be a shaky defender at best, but would provide far more upside with the bat than Alec Bohm. There is some skepticism swirling around Murakami right now, due to a pair of down seasons in 2023 and 2024, and then an injury-plagued season in 2025.”

Murakami is projected to be a star wherever he goes, and he could be a fit for multiple teams. His power bat would complement the Phillies’ lineup perfectly.

The Phillies are starting to see their championship window slip. Securing Murakami could help keep that window open, at least for the near future. It’s a wait-and-see situation, but the Phillies are known for their aggressive moves in free agency.

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