The Philadelphia Phillies could shake things up in a major way at the hot corner this winter.

Halfway through the 2024 season, the idea of someone other than Alec Bohm playing third base for the Phillies in 2025 would have been laughable. The 28-year-old Bohm appeared to have fully broken out, making his first All-Star team and leading baseball in doubles at the break.

However, after slumping in the second half and being benched in Game 2 of the Phillies’ only playoff series, Bohm appears to be on the outs. He’s one of the most frequently discussed trade targets of the winter so far, and the Phillies may well ship him somewhere at some point this week, during the Winter Meetings.

If they do let Bohm go, however, it’s imperative that the Phillies have a quality third base backup plan.

On Monday, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report predicted that the Phillies would land Alex Bregman, the Houston Astros’ two-time All-Star third baseman, in what he called an “epic” potential signing.

“It’s his playoff track record (that ought to have the Phillies interested),” Rymer said. “Bregman is tied for sixth on the all-time playoff home run list with 19, and he’s 4-for-8 in ending playoff runs with at least a .800 OPS.”

“A complication here is that the Phillies are already projected to spend $263 million in 2025, potentially leaving little room for the $200 million contract Bregman is reportedly seeking.”

Bregman, 30, wasn’t a notable upgrade over Bohm in 2024, though he did still produce more overall bWAR (4.1 to 3.0). However, his overall career track record is vastly superior, and he’s only two years older to boot.

The main issue, as Rymer says, is whether or not the Phillies will pony up for Bregman’s eventual contract, which could be getting more expensive by the minute. It may be in the cards, but it will stretch Philadelphia’s payroll as thin as it’s ever been.