# Alec Bohm's surge makes Phillies rethink his future

> After a rough start, the Phillies first baseman is playing his best baseball when it matters most.
- Title: Alec Bohm's surge makes Phillies rethink his future | Shortify
- Summary: After a rough start, the Phillies first baseman is playing his best baseball when it matters most. Alec Bohm's strong second-half performance has made him…
- Keywords: alec bohm, philadelphia phillies, mlb, free agency, second half surge, first baseman, right-handed hitter, wild card race, contract extension, sports, Alec, Bohm's
- Source: Philadelphia Phillies On SI — https://si.com/mlb/phillies/onsi/stellar-play-from-alec-bohm-must-make-phillies-consider-long-term-commitment
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: alec bohm, philadelphia phillies, mlb, free agency, second half surge, first baseman, right-handed hitter, wild card race, contract extension, sports
## Phillies push toward October
With 12 games left in the regular season, Philadelphia faces a tough schedule and a tight wild card race where every game matters.
## Rotation and lineup both clicking
The Phillies have been playing strong baseball thanks to an excellent starting rotation, with Zack Wheeler bouncing back from a poor August, plus solid production from their lineup.
## Bohm emerges as key contributor
Former All-Star Alec Bohm has been one of the best players for the Phillies in the second half after a dreadful start to the season.
## Numbers improving despite slow start
Bohm is slashing .248/.309/.390 with 15 home runs and 82 RBIs for the season, with his overall numbers looking much better after a rough beginning.
## August was a breakout month
In August, Bohm slashed .327/.391/.439 with one home run and 17 RBIs, getting on base at a high rate while driving in runs consistently.
## September momentum continues
Through early September, Bohm has an OPS of just under .900, maintaining his strong performance as the season winds down.
## Free agency looms this winter
Bohm will become a free agent at season's end, and with his All-Star resume and strong 2026 performance, he'll be an attractive option on the open market.
## Phillies need right-handed bats
Philadelphia is in need of right-handed hitters, making keeping Bohm suddenly make a lot of sense for the organization's future.
## Time to commit long-term
The Phillies should consider offering Bohm a long-term contract now rather than risk losing him to free agency after his impressive second-half turnaround.
## Key takeaway

Alec Bohm's strong second-half performance has made him valuable enough that the Phillies should seriously consider signing him to a long-term deal before he hits free agency.