Phillies predicted to land 6-foot-3 slugger as potential Alec Bohm replacement | Sporting News

The Philadelphia Phillies are considering the future as key players near the end of their careers, leading to possible changes in their roster. With the potential selection of high school third baseman Gavin Fien in the upcoming draft, punters might see favorable odds on the Phillies improving their infield and overall roster depth, which could positively influence their performance in the coming seasons.

The Philadelphia Phillies need to start thinking about the next chapter. It's been an exciting run of success with this current roster core, but in a few years, it's going to look a lot different. Zack Wheeler is pledging to retire after 2027, when Bryce Harper and Trea Turner will turn 36 and 35, respectively. And Kyle Schwarber could be playing anywhere by then.

It's tough to figure out if third baseman Alec Bohm fits into the picture or not. He hasn't become the superstar the Phillies dreamed of when they took him third overall in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. He hits for average, but not a lot of power, and his defense is so-so. While Bohm is under contract for 2026, it might make sense for Philadelphia to select his eventual replacement, or at least another option at the hot corner, with their first-round pick in 2025.

That's what CBS Sports' Mike Axisa predicts will happen. Axisa mocked California high school third baseman Gavin Fien to the Phillies with the 26th overall pick in the Jul. 13 draft.

"You have to go back to Bryson Stott in 2019 for the last time the Phillies used their top pick on a college player," Axisa wrote. "Fien could hear his name called as early as the 10-15 range somewhere. Getting all the way to Philadelphia at No. 26 would be a great outcome for the team. Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp.

"Fien sets his hands up high at the plate and has an unusual setup, but it works for him, and he's shown the ability to barrel up top competition in showcases." The Phillies also have top prospect Aidan Miller almost ready to go (he's in Double-A), but Miller's natural position is shortstop, so one could easily envision Miller and Fien manning the left side of the infield if Turner ever moves back to the outfield, as many are projecting.

Between Fien and Miller, the Phillies would almost certainly feel comfortable letting Bohm walk in free agency, which could help save money for other parts of the roster.

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