Alec Bohm started the season as one of the hottest hitters in baseball, but his performance has recently taken a dip. In the first 40 games, Bohm showcased impressive stats with a .343 batting average, a .406 on-base percentage, and a .539 slugging percentage, culminating in a .945 OPS. He also contributed four home runs and 32 RBIs. However, in the subsequent 27 games, his numbers fell significantly, with a batting average of .211, an on-base percentage of .252, and a slugging percentage of .349, resulting in a .601 OPS. During this period, he managed only two home runs and 20 RBIs.
One noticeable factor in Bohm’s decline is his batting average on balls in play (BABIP), which plummeted from .391 in the first stretch to .219 in the latter. This sharp decrease suggests that Bohm has been hitting into bad luck, with many well-struck balls finding fielders instead of gaps. Despite this, Bohm has maintained a disciplined approach at the plate, not expanding the strike zone in desperation. This adherence to a patient strategy, instilled by hitting coach Kevin Long, shows Bohm’s commitment to improving his game.
Pitchers have adjusted to Bohm, increasing their usage of fastballs as his effectiveness against them has waned. Early in the season, Bohm was crushing fastballs, but recently, he has struggled to make solid contact. This shift in pitch selection against him highlights the cat-and-mouse nature of baseball, where players and pitchers continually adjust to exploit each other’s weaknesses. Bohm’s challenge now is to readjust and start hitting fastballs with authority again.
Despite his recent slump, Bohm’s overall performance this season still positions him as a top candidate for the All-Star Game. His early-season success should not be overshadowed by a rough patch that many players experience over the course of a long season. Bohm has demonstrated the ability to make adjustments, and there is confidence that he will overcome this current struggle.
In conclusion, while Alec Bohm has hit a rough patch, his contributions to the Phillies this season are undeniable. His early-season performance was stellar, and his ability to stick to a disciplined approach at the plate bodes well for a turnaround. As the season progresses, Bohm will likely make the necessary adjustments and regain his form, solidifying his case for an All-Star starter’s nod at third base.
