MLB Trade Rumors: Mariners 'Balked' at Phillies' Asking Price for Alec Bohm

The Seattle Mariners have reportedly been holding "exploratory talks with other clubs," according to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, primarily seeking an upgrade at third base.

That has led the team to hold talks with the Philadelphia Phillies for Alec Bohm, though "in initial trade talks between the two clubs, the Phillies asked for one of the Mariners' top pitchers—Logan Gilbert or George Kirby—in exchange for Bohm, a source with knowledge of the discussions said."

Jude added that the Mariners have "balked at the asking price."

Bohm, 28, hit .280 with 15 homers, 44 doubles, 97 RBI, 62 runs and a .779 OPS in 2024, earning his first All-Star Game bid. It was trending toward easily being his best season as a pro, though he never quite regained his mojo after missing a little over two weeks in early September with a left hand strain.

Upon his return, he hit .170 with two homers and eight RBI in 12 regular season games down the stretch, and batted an abysmal .077 with just one hit in the postseason, which even included him getting benched for Game 2 of the NLDS.

With the Phillies looking to potentially shake up the roster, at least slightly, heading into the 2025 season, Bohm was the most likely candidate to be moved, given his age and his two years of club control remaining before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Moving him would allow the Phillies to seek an upgrade at third base, like free agent Alex Bregman, one of the players they've been linked to this offseason.

As for the Mariners, the team is looking to replace free agent third baseman Josh Rojas, who hit just .225 in 2024 with eight homers and 31 RBI. Bohm would undoubtedly be an upgrade in that regard, though perhaps not worth the price point the Phillies have reportedly set.

The Mariners will also look to upgrade at first base, per Jude, and "remain engaged with free agents Carlos Santana and Justin Turner to fill first base/designated hitter" and have held "preliminary talks" with the Chicago Cubs regarding second baseman Nico Hoerner.