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The St. Louis Cardinals cycled through multiple options at third base in 2025, failing to find stability after trading Nolan Arenado. Nolan Gorman did not seize the opportunity, and neither Blaze Jordan nor Thomas Saggese provided consistent production.
With the offseason approaching, the Cardinals may seek an external upgrade at the hot corner. However, the free-agent market for third basemen is thin, forcing the front office to explore creative alternatives.
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently addressed speculation linking Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm to the Cardinals. Goold did not dismiss the idea outright but highlighted a significant caveat.
"The Cardinals are open to a short-term answer at third base that clears the way for their next homegrown player to take over there," Goold explained. "That is where the Bohm-Cardinals speculation will rest and has rested and it will continue if Bohm is interested in a 'pillow deal' to restore his value through playing time he'll need and performance."
Goold added that the obstacle isn't St. Louis's reluctance to sign a free-agent position player, but rather what Bohm would bring and how he aligns with the team's values—particularly his defense. "The catch isn't the Cardinals' reluctance to sign a position player as a free agent; it's what he'd bring and what they value and the questions on his defense, which as you know by now the Cardinals are still going to value. That needs to be part of any speculation connecting the two."
Defensive Metrics Raise Red Flags
Bohm's defensive shortcomings are a major concern. According to Baseball Savant, he recorded -8 Outs Above Average and -9 defensive run value at third base in 2024. Such numbers hardly represent an upgrade for a Cardinals team that prioritizes defensive proficiency.
Offensively, Bohm also had a down year, slashing .249/.315/.383 with 15 home runs, 88 RBI, and a .698 OPS. While he offers right-handed power, his overall production was below expectations.
Despite these drawbacks, Bohm could serve as a short-term bridge. He might become a trade candidate at the deadline if prospects like Jesus Baez are ready for the majors. Additionally, the Cardinals are giving Rainiel Rodriguez reps at third base, signaling that Bohm would not be a long-term solution.
St. Louis has other avenues to explore, but Goold's comments suggest that Bohm's defensive limitations will weigh heavily in any decision. Whether the Cardinals pursue him likely depends on his willingness to accept a make-good contract and the team's tolerance for defensive risk.