On Monday, we find out who the Phillies pick at #3. It is on this weekend, that we begin to see mock drafts spread rumors about players who could be rising or falling that could shake up the draft, as Matt mentioned yesterday. In a couple of mocks, the Phillies were seen taking Nick Madrigal and Joey Bart, with some hints of Brady Singer and the potential for Casey Mize should he inconceivably fall in their laps. But since the mocks really got more serious over the last month, the top three has always been the same: Mize to the Tigers at #1, Bart to the Giants at #2 and the Phillies using their #3 selection to take a 3B from Wichita State named Alec Bohm.
Bohm’s career at Wichita State has been quiet for the most part because of the small school label. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been raking since day one. After hitting over .300 with just under a .500 slugging his freshman year, Bohm has increased his production each season, showing more power and even more patience. The most encouraging thing about Bohm’s production is not only did his strikeout rate decrease over time, but it was so low to begin with that it shows that he rarely chases bad pitches or lets boderline calls go often. To add to the increase Bohm has spent the last two summers dominating the Coastal Plain and Cape Cod Leagues, posting above a .330 and .912 OPS both stints with a combined 8.4% BB and 12.9% K. So Bohm showed he is more than capable of handling top competition particularly with a wood bat.
So what’s the issue with taking Bohm at #3? There’s a lot of uncertainty about his defense. While he has the tools to potentially remain at third base, most scouts are convinced that he is too much of a project to remain there and will have to shift across the diamond to first base, which isn’t very ideal if your picking a player at #3. However he did show enough improvement in his sophomore season with more time at 3B to show he has the chance to be adequate. But there was some major regression in that area this season which has led to those questions. But if that wasn’t going to deter them from picking Pavin Smith, a pure first baseman, last year at #8, it shouldn’t now. The Phillies three first round picks under Johnny Almaraz all had one thing in common at the time of their selection: they all were supposed to have a future above average hit tool. Bohm would fit that and more with his plus power, which is why he has been zeroed in on.
Alec Bohm, 3B, Wichita State
6’5″, 220 lb
Bats/Throws: R/R
Previously Drafted: Never
Rankings (as of 5/31): Baseball America #7, MLB #7, ESPN #5, 2080 Baseball #8
What the Numbers Say
2016 (Freshman): 51 G, 191 PA, .303/.346/.489, 54 H, 13 2B, 3B, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 20 R, .324 BABIP, .356 wOBA, 9 BB (4.7%), 25 K (13.1%), 5 GIDP; 71 chances, 14 putouts, 43 assists, two double plays turned, 10 errors, .859 FLD%
2017 (Sophomore): 58 G, 265 PA, .305/.385/.519, 71 H, 13 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 44 R, 5/5 SB, .313 BABIP, .385 wOBA, 29 BB (10.9%), 31 K (11.7%), 5 GIDP; 218 chances, 107 putouts, 102 assists, nine errors, 11 double plays turned, .959 FLD%
2018 (Junior) (as of 5/31): 57 G, 266 PA, .339/.436/.625, 76 H, 14 2B, 3B, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 57 R, 9/12 SB, .330 BABIP, .448 wOBA, 39 BB (14.7%), 28 K (10.5%), 8 GIDP; 139 chances, 29 putouts, 96 assists, 12 double plays turned, 14 errors, .899 FLD%
Strengths
Lanky frame, ton of strength; Slightly open, wide stance; leg kick, bit of a long stride for how wide he already is, but head stays level through the zone; swing remains linear with a bit of an angle, gets good extension to create plus power to all fields; above-average discipline; Slightly below-average speed, but much not a base clogger; decent athleticism to play third base, plus arm strength
Weaknesses
Slingy arm action, choppy footwork; slight stiffness on the load, long swing could lead him susceptible to breaking balls and pitches inside.
Overall Assessment
Bohm’s bat is his calling card. With the discipline and plus power combination he shows, he could be a candidate for a fast call-up to the majors. The only question present is future defensive position. While there is some rough action watching Bohm playing third, there is room for improvement with the tools that are present. Even with a slingy arm, if the footwork can be improved, he should be at least a slightly below average defender at the position, increasing his value as a player. If in five years, it doesn’t improve, a shift to first base is recommended. Rarely make comparisons, but Bohm has a bit of a Kris Bryant swing with a Jayson Werth-type of build. He has the potential to be an perennial All-Star 3B with the bat, posting .280, .370 OBP, 35+ 2B, 25+ HR. Might have to do a bit more to fit the perennial All-Star mold at 1B.