This potential trade between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros might take place this offseason.
As the hot stove season heats up, various theoretical trades are being discussed that could benefit the teams involved. One such proposal, highlighted by Bob Nightengale in his USA Today column, envisions a deal between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. In this scenario, the Phillies would trade third baseman Alec Bohm to the Astros, potentially in exchange for a late-inning reliever.
“The Phillies know they can’t bring back the same offense in 2025,” Nightengale wrote. “While their lineup can be one of the most explosive in baseball, they’ve learned in the postseason that it can also be relatively easy for opposing pitchers to navigate. Changes are necessary, and Bohm holds the most trade value compared to Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh. If the Astros lose Alex Bregman in free agency, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski would likely waste no time offering Bohm in exchange for Astros reliever Ryan Pressly, who is reportedly being actively shopped.”
Improving their bullpen is a key priority for the Phillies, and an arm like Pressly would undoubtedly strengthen their backend. However, the proposed trade hinges on the Astros losing Bregman, a scenario they’d prefer to avoid given his status as one of baseball’s top third basemen. If Bregman does leave, could the Astros turn to Bohm? Such a move might offer mutual benefits for both teams.
Would trading for Alec Bohm help Astros in long term?
Bohm has two years of club control remaining before reaching free agency, and the former first-round pick is starting to hit his stride in Philadelphia. Last season, he recorded a career-high 3.0 WAR, drove in 97 runs for the second consecutive year, and played a key role in the Phillies’ lineup. While the team values him, Bohm could be a trade candidate if moving him helps address more urgent needs.
On the other side, Pressly would bring a power arm to the back end of the Phillies’ bullpen and could potentially become their next closer. Philadelphia has struggled with bullpen issues in recent years, and shoring up this area is critical for another World Series push. The Astros might consider trading Pressly since their current closer, Josh Hader, joined Houston on a lucrative free-agent deal last offseason.
However, much of this hinges on whether Bregman remains in Houston. If he prices himself out of a return—a real possibility given the demand for third basemen—he could secure a long-term deal elsewhere. Will the former LSU standout hold down third base for the Astros moving forward, or could a trade for a player like Bohm reshape their infield?
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