Alec Bohm has steadily improved since the Philadelphia Phillies selected him with the No. 3 overall pick from Wichita State in the 2018 draft.
The 6-foot-5 third baseman arrived at spring training with added muscle and the results have been noticeable at the plate especially.
Bohm didn’t alter his mechanics. It was just a matter of getting stronger and fitter.
"I just ate clean, worked out," Bohm told reporters. "I didn't do anything different in the weight room, I'm just getting older. I'm a kid that's growing up. My body is ready to carry more weight. I go into every offseason like, 'Oh, I'm gonna get big this offseason,' and then it doesn't happen. This offseason, I did the same thing, I showed up and everybody thought I looked bigger."
Bohm hit .280 with 13 home runs and 72 RBI and was red hot in the World Series, leading the Phillies in hits and extra-base hits.
Last Monday in Bradenton, Fla., Bohm crushed a home run and it even sounded good off the bat. He also added an opposite field single.
Bohm can certainly improve his power numbers, but it’s not a top priority.
“That is me, I don't want to take that part of my game away," Bohm said of the single. "That's where I'm at. I'm not trying to just pull the ball and hit homers."
"He's starting to get the bat head out and he's stronger than he was last year," Phillies manager Rob Thomson added. "He put on some good weight in the offseason. We don't want him to lose (his natural approach) but we want him to be able to pull the ball when he needs to pull the ball."
It can take some players a number of years before they truly develop into the player the organization believed they would be.
Bohm is on his way.
And the 2023 season could be the type of breakout the Phillies expected.
Bohm is clearly in shape and appears to be ready to help a team hoping to make another deep postseason run capped with a World Series title.
"Just kind of that next step I guess," Bohm said. "Another season, more experience. If I hit the ball, (the added muscle) will help. I know that sounds stupid but I'm trying to keep it simple."
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