The Phillies had a straightforward call in front of them, and they passed on the one move that could have protected them best.
Alec Bohm was the only Philadelphia free agent who really fit the qualifying-offer conversation, and the club chose not to extend the $23.15 million offer before the Nov. 2 deadline at 5 p.m. ET. Luis Arraez might have been in the mix, but because he was traded midseason, he wasn’t eligible.
Across the league, eight players did get the qualifying offer, according to Spencer Nusbaum and Johnny Flores Jr. of The Athletic (subscription required): Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena, Milwaukee Brewers infielder Jake Bauers, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Brandon Lowe, Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, New York Yankees closer David Bednar, Baltimore Orioles starter Trevor Rogers and San Diego Padres reliever Adrián Morejón.
Those players now have until Nov. 17 to decide whether to take the one-year deal, which is tied to the average salary of the top 125 players in MLB. If they turn it down, they become free agents, and if they sign elsewhere, their former teams receive draft compensation.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, is left with a riskier path. Bohm finished the season strong, and by not offering the qualifying deal, the Phillies now have no safeguard if another club pushes his market beyond what they’re willing to spend. He can play either third base or first base, and even if he’s not a classic power bat, he does produce runs - something this roster needs more of, especially from the right side.
There’s also the roster puzzle to consider. Bryce Harper is locked in at first base, and Kyle Schwarber is expected to fill in there for about 30 games.
Third base is still open, but Aidan Miller could eventually end up there in the majors. A multi-year deal for Bohm would crowd that picture and make for a questionable use of assets.
A one-year qualifying offer would have kept that flexibility intact. It would have given the Phillies another season of insurance, and if Bohm rejected it in search of a longer contract, Philadelphia would at least have been in line for draft compensation.
Instead, Bohm is now a free agent, and the Phillies may have opened the door to another lineup hole this winter. The offer wouldn’t have guaranteed he stayed, but it would have given them a much better fallback.
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