Somehow, someway a third base upgrade in Philadelphia seems logical to bet on this winter.
After a year of Maikel Franco, Brad Miller, Sean Rodriguez and Scott Kingery (best suited as a super utility guy), the Phillies entered play on September 10 with just a .735 combined OPS from third basemen. That ranked 22nd in MLB.
Help could soon be on the way in the form of Alec Bohm, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. But if the Phillies don’t think Bohm is ready, have concerns about his ability to stick at the hot corner or want to get creative with roster building, a veteran could arrive.
Anthony Rendon rumors are out there, but MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand thinks another NL East rival could be in play: Atlanta’s Josh Donaldson.
Rendon has hit .405 with a 1.220 OPS against the Phillies in 11 games this season, so Philadelphia knows the type of damage he can do. The hot corner will be an area of focus for the club this offseason, though with Bohm (the team’s No. 1 prospect and No. 34 overall per MLB Pipeline) progressing through the system, adding a third baseman on a long-term deal might be a stretch. A free agent on a shorter deal, such as Josh Donaldson or Mike Moustakas, might be a more logical candidate for the Phillies.
Donaldson, 33, is in the midst of an incredible comeback season. The former AL MVP entered play on September 10 owning a .932 OPS and 37 home runs.
If the Phillies land Donaldson on a short-term deal, a high on-base percentage and power threat could be added to the middle of a lineup that includes Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper. Last winter, Donaldson would have been a logical Phillies target if the team didn’t keep its toes in both the Manny Machado and Harper sweepstakes.
Donaldson signed a one-year, $23M with Atlanta last winter, and will hit the open market after the 2019 season.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.