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

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.

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

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