Can Free Agent-to-Be Alec Bohm Fit at First Base for the Twins?

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Nick Wosika- Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins need to earmark some money for free-agent spending on offensive upgrades this winter, especially with pending free agents Ryan Jeffers and Josh Bell heading out the door. First base could be a low-friction place to find some help, as the club weighs its future with Royce Lewis.

Alec Bohm could be an intriguing option. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently identified the Twins as a potential landing spot for the veteran infielder, who is entering free agency after spending his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Bohm offers a right-handed bat, experience at first and third base, and a track record of driving in runs. However, his uneven 2026 performance makes it difficult to determine whether he would represent a significant upgrade over Lewis.

Bohm's Up-and-Down 2026 Season

The Phillies selected Bohm in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft, and he developed into a regular contributor for a Philadelphia team that reached the postseason for a fifth straight time in 2026. His season, however, featured some significant highs and lows. Bohm appeared in 155 games, hitting .249/.315/.383 with 15 home runs, 88 RBIs, and 58 runs scored. His .698 OPS translated to an 87 OPS+, while his 0.2 fWAR indicated that his overall contributions were limited.

Those numbers don't tell the entire story of his season. Bohm struggled badly out of the gate, batting .159/.227/.206 with one home run and 15 RBIs through his first 35 games. A .171 batting average on balls in play contributed to his difficult start, although his overall production was undeniably disappointing. There was personal turmoil hanging over him, as he battled his own parents over a financial dispute that eventually led to a lawsuit.

The 30-year-old began turning things around on May 9. Over his final 120 games, Bohm hit .274/.340/.433 with 14 home runs and 73 RBIs. He also delivered a go-ahead home run in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, extending the Phillies' season before they were eliminated by Atlanta in Game 3.

There is a reason to believe Bohm can be a productive major-league hitter. He's been an above-average hitter in four of the last five campaigns, and if you take out those early struggles in 2026, he was above-average this year, too. Still, his disappointing overall numbers in 2026 leave questions about how much offensive value he would bring to his next team.

Why Bohm Could Fit in Minnesota

First base is an obvious position for the Twins to evaluate as they begin planning for 2027. Lewis handled approximately half of the team's at-bats at the position last season, but his future with Minnesota is uncertain. He finished 2026 hitting .227 with a .287 on-base percentage and a .667 OPS across 463 at-bats. He added 15 home runs and 57 RBIs, numbers that fell short of what the Twins needed from one of their potential middle-of-the-order hitters.

His injury history also complicates the decision. Lewis has endured two torn ACLs during his career, and although he appeared in 125 games in 2026, Minnesota must consider whether it can count on him to remain available over a full season. According to MLB Trade Rumors' arbitration projections, Lewis is expected to earn approximately $5.1 million in 2027. The Twins could decide that money is better allocated elsewhere, particularly if they believe a different player would provide greater availability and a more reliable offensive contribution.

Bohm could fill that role. He boasts a much stronger track record of staying in the lineup. His ability to handle both corners of the infield would also provide manager Derek Shelton with additional lineup flexibility. Perhaps his most appealing trait is his performance against left-handed pitching. Bohm posted an .816 OPS against lefties in 2026, giving Minnesota a right-handed hitter who could address a potential weakness in its lineup.

The Twins need players who can improve specific areas of the roster without limiting their financial flexibility. If Bohm is willing to accept a one-year contract to rebuild his value, Minnesota could take a relatively short-term chance on a player who has demonstrated an ability to produce runs. He's likely to cost more than Lewis, but he's also likely to be a better player.

Would Bohm Make Sense for the Twins?

Bohm deserves consideration, but the terms of a potential contract would determine whether he makes sense for Minnesota. The Twins could use a right-handed hitter who performs well against left-handed pitching. Bohm's experience at first and third base would give the team some flexibility, in case of an injury to Brooks Lee. However, Minnesota should not view Bohm as an automatic upgrade simply because he's coming off a more productive season than Lewis. Bohm's overall offensive performance was modest, and his limited power could be a concern if the Twins are seeking a clear improvement at first base.

A one-year contract would make the most sense. It would give Bohm an opportunity to reestablish his value, while allowing Minnesota to avoid a long-term commitment to a player coming off an inconsistent season.

Ultimately, the Twins need to determine whether Bohm's second-half turnaround represents the production they can expect moving forward. If his asking price remains reasonable, he could be a useful addition. If the bidding becomes expensive, Minnesota would be better served looking for a first baseman who offers more offensive upside.

The Twins have several ways to address first base this winter. Bohm could be one of them, but the decision should come down to whether his expected production justifies the investment.

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Should the Twins target Bohm? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[TNtwins85]

He doesn’t produce enough against RHP. A dream scenario for 1B is one where you sign Alec Bohm and trade for Alec Burleson. Bohm handles lefties  adequately and Burleson dominates righties. Bohm by himself doesn’t do it at 1B. The best fit is gonna be trading for Yandy Diaz. 1 year left in an organization who likes to flip expiring contracts. Handles both sides well but reverse splits overall handling righties better. Not sure how the defense is at 1B but the cleanest fit in the batters box. 

[Twins GFP]

His defense is nothing to write home about...

Unless the Twins feel they can unlock something (which admittedly they have a decent rack record of doing), I think a MiLB/ST invite would be the move here. It probably wouldn't get it done, but I would want more from any investment into 1B.

[Riverbrian]

I'm not really interested in a one year prove it deal. Nor am I interested in spending any amount of money on a short side specialist. 

I do like that he makes contact and I do like that he can play some 3B but that's it. He's a no.  

Bauers is the guy. Yes it was a breakout year but a damn good one. A left handed hitter who hit lefties very well last year over 160 attempts so he doesn't need to be platooned. Bauers actually hit lefties better than Bohm.

Bauers for 3 years 36 million and then get serious about growing a 1B out of your farm system. A farm system that is ranked in the top ten every single year but can't get to shore at the MLB level. Let's put a pause on this one year at a time merry go round that has been taking place since Joe Mauer retired.   

1B needs to be addressed. If Tom Pohlad is serious... this is where he can get serious and bring in a player that actually provides a threat to opposing pitchers. The fan base might appreciate that. Bohm isn't that guy. Add Bauers and you have a legit bat behind Buxton. 

Any thought of hoping that Royce becomes the guy is malpractice. He might become the guy, it ain't over for him so you can roster him but you have to make Royce prove he is the guy before making him the guy. 

[jmlease1]

Bohm is really a bet that a) his second half was for real, and b) there's more to unlock. He's not terribly exciting, and it's hard to see him as much more than a potential floor-raiser. I'd wonder a little about his defense, but he's been much more of a 3B than a 1B over the years...does he improve at 1B by simply concentrating on just one position?

I'm not enthusiastic about him, but the FA market is thin.

Sad story about the family conflict, though. What a horrible mess that is.

[Tibs]

Nope

[GNess]

I wonder if the day will come. for the Twins in which reclamation projects, bargain bin specials, and recent under performing players are not their top targets in the off season.

[MeleMouth]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

I'm not really interested in a one year prove it deal. Nor am I interested in spending any amount of money on a short side specialist. 

I do like that he makes contact and I do like that he can play some 3B but that's it. He's a no.  

Bauers is the guy. Yes it was a breakout year but a damn good one. A left handed hitter who hit lefties very well last year over 160 attempts so he doesn't need to be platooned. Bauers actually hit lefties better than Bohm.

Bauers for 3 years 36 million and then get serious about growing a 1B out of your farm system. A farm system that is ranked in the top ten every single year but can't get to shore at the MLB level. Let's put a pause on this one year at a time merry go round that has been taking place since Joe Mauer retired.   

1B needs to be addressed. If Tom Pohlad is serious... this is where he can get serious and bring in a player that actually provides a threat to opposing pitchers. The fan base might appreciate that. Bohm isn't that guy. Add Bauers and you have a legit bat behind Buxton. 

Any thought of hoping that Royce becomes the guy is malpractice. He might become the guy, it ain't over for him so you can roster him but you have to make Royce prove he is the guy before making him the guy. 

It's no coincidence that Bauers has played for all three of the Rays, Guardians, and Brewers, nor that he put it together this year. He's exactly the type of player that all three of them have done well with over the years - skilled, but needing some adjustments to his mental and physical approaches. 

My guess is that the Brewers or Rays or even the Dodgers would love to add Royce Lewis at a discount to his ability. I don't care for how he conducts himself, but he's also exactly the kind of player that they turn into much better players. Some team is going to get Royce to take the outside pitch to right field and to have a more humble and honest self-dialogue; it would be great if it could be the Twins.