Cardinals Could Target Alec Bohm to Upgrade Third Base

Third base was a major weakness for St. Louis this season, and one offseason forecast points to former All-Star Alec Bohm as a possible solution. The Cardinals have young players who could compete for the position, but the projection favors signing the 30-year-old infielder, who is entering free agency after seven seasons with Philadelphia.

Bohm hit .249 with a .315 on-base percentage and a .383 slugging percentage, along with 15 home runs and 88 runs batted in. His production improved after the All-Star break: his OPS rose from .632 in the first half to .794 in the second. He has driven in at least 88 runs in three of the past four seasons and has a .314 career average with runners in scoring position.

There are concerns about his limited power and how teams assess his defense. A contract estimate puts his potential annual salary at about $12 million. One proposed arrangement would be a multiyear deal that lets Bohm opt out and return to the market after 2027.

St. Louis has already made an offseason trade with Boston, acquiring left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rivera for right-handed pitcher Juan Garcia. Improving the pitching staff remains a priority, while adding Bohm could give the lineup another contributor alongside Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson as the Cardinals seek to contend for a postseason place next year.