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Phillies Trade Pitch Sends Fan Favorite to Tigers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Conor Liguori | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 5:30 PM ET

Last year, the New York Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies three games to one in the NLDS, leaving a sour taste in the Phillies' mouths as their season abruptly ended. In 2025, Philadelphia is set on a deeper playoff run and World Series title.

To do so, trades could be made to strengthen the roster ahead of the playoffs. The Phillies had no problems scoring runs during the regular season of 2024, but their offense faltered in the series against New York, scoring two or fewer runs in games one, three, and four.

A key component to the offense is third baseman Alec Bohm, but what if general manager Preston Mattingly could improve multiple areas of the team in a deal with the Detroit Tigers? Bohm's name has been floated around in trade rumors throughout the offseason, and he will be a free agent after the 2025 season.

Bohm received his first All-Star selection in 2024, hitting .280 with a career-high 44 doubles.

In a trade proposal with the Tigers, the Phillies receive relief pitcher Will Vest and utility man Andy Ibáñez in return for Bohm.

Vest could help the Phillies' bullpen in the postseason, and he proved unphased in six playoff appearances last year. He struck out nine in six innings and allowed one earned run. The righty is coming off back-to-back seasons with a 146 ERA+ and 8.1 or more strikeouts per nine innings.

Ibáñez was a postseason hero for the Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros and has experience at every position on the field besides being a catcher. He posted a career-high OPS of 103 in 2023 and possesses an above-average glove, preventing four runs and with an OAA of six in 2024.

Ibáñez and Edmundo Sosa can split time at third base for the Phillies, or Kody Clemens could play a more significant role.

For the Tigers, Bohm would join an organization that wanted to upgrade the third base position with Alex Bregman. And although he may only be a rental, Bohm's ability to drive the ball to the gap and get himself into scoring position may prove crucial when every run matters in the postseason.

If he signs a substantial contract elsewhere, the Phillies may not want to lose Bohm for nothing next winter. A trade could be the best option.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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