Phillies' Alec Bohm might be in a Spring Training battle for third base job with Aidan Miller originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There is one major need the Philadelphia Phillies didn't address this offseason, which they desperately needed to: the cleanup spot. Alec Bohm isn't good enough to hit fourth, and there isn't another good option who can hit there.
With some uncertainty at the cleanup spot, the Phillies could get creative. While Bohm might not be the answer, a third baseman could be the cleanup. Instead of Bohm, what about Aidan Miller?
The Phillies top prospect is, as Devan Kaney of 94 WIP shared, getting reps at third base this spring. With how much hype there is surrounding Miller, it wouldn't be strange for a strong spring to catapult him into the starting lineup over Bohm this year.
Could Aidan Miller take over for Alec Bohm at 3B?
Seeing Aidan Miller taking grounders at third base alongside Bohm is a noteworthy development out of the Phillies camp.
Aidan Miller taking grounders at 3B with Alec Bohm pic.twitter.com/cr0CrzEwTJ
— Devan Kaney (@Devan_Kaney) February 17, 2026
Miller is a shortstop primarily, but getting reps at third base indicates the Phillies are planning for Miller to get a chance to start there in the Majors.
While these reps could be to prepare Miller for the job in 2027, after Bohm leaves in free agency following the 2026 MLB season, there's a non-zero chance Miller ascends this year.
If Miller can piece together a strong spring following his massive breakout 2025 season for the Phillies, where he had a .262 batting average with an .825 OPS, 14 home runs, and 59 stolen bases, then Miller could have a chance to make the Opening Day roster.
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But, even if he misses out on making the roster right from the beginning of the season, a good spring and beginning of the minor league season could convince the Phillies to promote him to the Majors and replace Bohm if the veteran third baseman struggles.
Bohm's job isn't safe, evidenced by the Phillies' attempts to trade him both this offseason and last year's offseason.
One of the big fears with the Phillies is the team "running it back." Moving on from Bohm and giving Miller the chance to start would be a good way to shake things up, while also providing some extra juice to the lineup.
A lot still needs to happen for Miller to take over Bohm's starting job, but the door for such a move is open, and the early spring fielding drills indicate the Phillies are, at the very least, entertaining such a pivot in 2026.
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