Alec Bohm (3B, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups Week 8

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Phillies organization and fantasy managers have to be ecstatic about Bohm’s work so far this season. He’s flashed his above-average power and hit tool throughout his 19-game stint thus far. While the small-sample numbers aren’t overwhelming, Bohm has been viable as an everyday third baseman in 12-team leagues.

Bohm has enjoyed a barrel rate of 14.3%, good enough for 34^th among qualified leaders. That puts him ahead of notables like Manny Machado, Trent Grisham, and Eugenio Suarez. Likewise, Bohm’s .299 average looks awfully similar to his .305 xBA, but his .463 actual slugging is well under his .546 xSLG. That difference combined with the barrel rate suggests that there’s more power on the way.

While Bohm’s performance has been good so far, managers can expect Bohm’s production should improve beyond his current .155 ISO. Moreover, Bohm’s plate discipline metrics show the type of approach that provides stable production and a constant place in the lineup. His 27.1% O-Swing rate and his 83.8% Z-Contact reflect the patient, collected approach that will keep him on the field and generating runs and RBI.

The Phillies also have four more games than the average MLB team, which means that Bohm has the opportunity to pad his counting stats beyond that of most players. He’s played in 20 of the Phillies’ 22 games since he was called up, so the playing time is there for him. Bohm should be a top-10 third baseman the rest of the way, and even the conservative projection systems are showing him as a top-100 to top-125 hitter for the rest of the season.