DALLAS — Alec Bohm stood in the somber visitors' clubhouse shortly after the Phillies’ season ended in October and expressed confidence in his future with the organization.

“I know where I’ll be next year,” the third baseman said.

Fast forward two months, and it’s possible that his fate could be out of his hands. Bohm, 28, has been at the center of Phillies trade rumors this offseason, with his name flying around at this week’s winter meetings in Dallas.

That’s why Phillies manager Rob Thomson has been keeping in close contact with Bohm. Thomson said Tuesday that the pair have texted over the offseason and they had a longer conversation on the phone this week.

“I just wanted to let him know we’re not shopping him,” Thomson said. “But because he’s a good player, there’s a whole lot of interest in him from other teams. Obviously you have to do your homework and talk to people and listen.”

Bohm is working out at a facility in Houston and will visit the Phillies facilities in Clearwater, Fla., around Christmas before returning to Texas. Thomson said Bohm has been hitting well and working hard lifting.

“I think this is probably the first time he’s gone through something like this, so I just want to ease his mind,” Thomson said. “It’s part of the business that you’ve got to get through. Because it’s the first time, I thought it was important to reach out.”

The trade rumors follow a disappointing 2024 postseason that saw Bohm, an All-Star starter in July, benched for utility man Edmundo Sosa for Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Bohm wasn’t the only member of the Phillies offense to struggle in October, but the third baseman’s frustration with his stagnation at the plate was clear.

Bohm’s outward displays of emotion — including his tendency to throw his helmet or bat when displeased with a result on the field — have drawn criticism. Former All-Star catcher A.J. Pierzynski said on the baseball show "Foul Territory" that Bohm’s attitude played a role in his playoff benching.

“I don’t know where that comes from,” Thomson said of claims of Bohm’s immaturity, “but he is an emotional guy. He cares a great deal. So he shows his emotion. Believe me, he’s not the only one on the club that shows their emotion and slams a helmet or a bat every once in a while. But that just shows me he cares.”

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