MLB Rumors: Phillies' Alec Bohm 'On the Trade Block' amid Possible Roster 'Shake Up'
Nov 12, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 05: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies fields a ground ball against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of Game One of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 05, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Despite having a breakout 2024 season that saw him earn a starting spot on the NL All-Star team, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm could be on a new team next season.
Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Bohm is on the trade block with the Phillies "looking to shake up their team" after a disappointing playoff loss to the New York Mets.
The Phillies don't have an obvious replacement at third base for Bohm, but a trade could help facilitate a separate move for a marquee player.
Phillies owner John Middleton told reporters last week during the GM meetings he won't hesitate to spend above the third level of the competitive balance tax "for the right player."
Philadelphia currently projects to have $266.5 million in payroll commitments next season, well above the $241 million tax threshold. MLB rules dictate a club will receive a surcharge if they go over the tax by certain amounts, with the highest surcharge being 60 percent if they exceed it by $60 million or more.
In a hypothetical scenario posed by Evan Macy of Philly Voice last month, the Phillies could be spending "well over $400 million" between payroll and tax payments in 2025 depending on how expensive any potential additions they make to the roster cost.
Bohm's 2024 was emblematic of the entire Phillies' season. He was great in the first half with a .295/.348/.482 slash line and 11 homers in 94 games. The 28-year-old ranked 11th among all NL players in FanGraphs' wins above replacement (2.9).
The second half wasn't nearly as kind to Bohm, as he posted a .251/.299/.382 slash line in 49 games. Some of those struggles could be attributed to a left hand injury that kept him out for 14 games late in the regular season.
Philadelphia looked like the best team in MLB during the first half of the season with a 62-34 record and plus-110 run differential. After the All-Star break, the Phillies were a .500 team (33-33) with a run differential of plus-three.
There were many problems with the roster beyond Bohm that led to the early playoff exit, but his value is unlikely to be higher than it is right now. His fWAR in 2024 was more than in the previous three years combined (3.5 to 2.9).
When you combine that with Bohm entering his second year of arbitration in 2025 with a projected salary of $8.1 million, it makes sense for Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to shop him around.
Phillies Name Preston Mattingly New GM; Sam Fuld Pursuing MBA, Will Return in 2026
Nov 8, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 16: A Philadelphia Phillies hat and glove sits on the dugout steps during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field on September 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies made multiple front office changes on Friday.
The Phillies announced that assistant general manager Preston Mattingly was promoted to vice president and general manager, a role that was previously held by Sam Fuld (via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com).
Fuld is pursuing his MBA at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and will transition to Philadelphia's president of business operations following his expected graduation in May 2026.
Fuld was originally named the Phillies' general manager in Dec. 2020.
While president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski still has the final say in the front office's decision-making process, Mattingly will have a larger role.
"The continued growth of Sam and Preston is remarkable," Dombrowski said, via MLB.com. "Both of them do a fantastic job, and these promotions provide continuity in the organization for years to come."
Fuld's duties as general manager will be divided with Mattingly "to accommodate his academic workload and increasing business operations responsibilities," per the announcement.
"I look forward to taking on this new challenge with the same passion, competitiveness and respect that I've applied throughout my professional career," Fuld said. "The opportunity to collaborate across baseball and business operations is an exciting one, and I'm honored to be entrusted with helping to build upon the many great elements of this organization."
Mattingly, the son of six-time All-Star and former Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly, was initially hired by the organization as director of player development in Sept. 2021 after spending time with the San Diego Padres in scouting roles.
He was promoted to the position of assistant general manager in Nov. 2023.
In his new role, Mattingly will now look to help Philadelphia navigate the offseason and attempt to bounce back from a disappointing four-game defeat in the National League Division Series after finishing the regular season with the No. 1 spot in the NL East.
As the Phillies look to pursue a fourth consecutive postseason appearance in 2025, they'll have a revamped front office surrounding Dombrowski.
Trea Turner Talks Pursuit of 2nd World Series, Phillies Tenure, More in B/R Interview
Nov 6, 2024
Trea Turner has firmly established himself as one of the best shortstops in Major League Baseball since making his big league debut in 2015. He has three All-Star appearances and won a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
Despite a successful 2024 campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies that included helping the team win its first NL East title in 13 years, Turner's drive to win a second championship hasn't wavered.
Turner, who spoke to B/R as part of the Champs Sports "Sport for Life" campaign, said his motivation to get another ring since winning that first title is as strong as it has ever been:
"I want another ring. I got a chance to win the World Series in 2019, and I feel like once you get a taste of that, there's nothing that really compares. I'm kind of always chasing that. Being in a new city now and getting a chance to compete in the postseason, I think it's right there in front of us. I can kind of taste it and smell it, and I want it. I want to win again. I think that's what makes it more special, when you can share those moments with your teammates and fans and everyone around you."
The 31-year-old Turner is now a well-established veteran who can impart his knowledge on younger players coming into MLB. His style of play still looks similar to when he was 23 in his first full season, but he explained that evolving over time has helped him remain successful.
"Some things that you did when you were 22, 23 when I first got into the league, you can't do now. I also think that I've learned a lot and I know a lot more now being in the middle or prime of my career," Turner said. "I know a lot more now that I wish I knew then. Don't be scared of change, don't be scared to make an adjustment and try to get better. I always feel like you can improve no matter where you're at, and I try to keep that open mindset."
Turner's power-speed combination has made him one of the most dynamic talents in baseball. He had three consecutive seasons with at least 20 homers and 20 stolen bases from 2021 to 2023. His streak ended in 2024 when he finished one stolen base shy of 20.
Unlike players who add power to their game over time, Turner's speed hasn't diminished. His sprint speed ranked in the 96th percentile of all players in MLB last season.
As Turner prepares for his third season in Philadelphia in 2025, he has built a strong relationship with his teammates and the city that has gone out of its way to make him feel comfortable. Turner said he "loves everything" about the city and Phillies fans since he signed an 11-year, $300 million contract as a free agent in December 2022.
"I've tried to soak it all in since I been here. When I signed here, I knew the team was going to be great and play well. The guys here are a ton of fun. We have a blast playing on the field, competing and going through the grind of a season. The fans have been awesome. They picked me up last year. It's just been so much fun to play in front of them every night. There's so much energy in this city. They love their sports. You know, just everything. Living here, sharing moments with my family as well. It's worked out great for us. It's been a perfect storm."
The Phillies have been one of the most successful teams since Turner arrived. Their 185 wins are tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the fourth-most in MLB since the start of 2023.
Now that he is entering this next phase of his career, Turner said the piece of advice that has stuck with him over time is "competing with yourself," because he can only control what he does and how he approaches things to trust that he will "end up in a better spot."
Turner's advice to himself also serves as a strong analogy for why he joined the Champs Sports "Sport for Life" campaign in the first place.
"'Sport for Life' is more than a tagline; it's my reality. The lessons I've learned throughout my baseball career have helped me navigate challenges on and off the field with confidence and prioritize what's important in my life," Turner said.
Phillies' Rob Thomson Gets Contract Extension Through 2026 After NLDS Loss to Mets
Oct 15, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Rob Thomson #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies' season ended in disappointment with a National League Division Series loss to the New York Mets, but the front office still rewarded manager Rob Thomson after leading the team to a NL East title.
Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday the Phillies extended Thomson's contract through the 2026 campaign. What's more, the team's entire coaching staff will be back in 2025.
Thomson made quite the first impression as the manager when he was named the interim boss in 2022 after the Phillies fired Joe Girardi following a 22-29 start.
All he did was go 65-46 the rest of the way and lead the team to the World Series. Philadelphia defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Wild Card Series, the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series and the San Diego Padres in the NL Championship Series.
While it fell short in the World Series against the Houston Astros, it was still an incredible run from a team that looked to be heading nowhere fast during the start with Girardi.
Philadelphia took the momentum from that run into the 2023 campaign and again made the playoffs as a wild-card team. It reached the NLCS once again but lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.
The 2024 team did something the previous two didn't under Thomson and won the division.
However, there would be no deep playoff run this time around, as the Mets stunned the Phillies in four games and continued their magical run that required defeating the Braves on the final day of the regular season to get into the playoffs and then advancing past the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series.
While there is surely some lingering disappointment from the early playoff exit, the Phillies are still 250-185 under Thomson and have consistently been one of the best teams in the National League during his tenure.
The hope is they remain in such a position through at least the 2026 campaign as they attempt to take the next step and bring home the World Series trophy under the manager.
Phillies' Kyle Schwarber Says 'It F--king Hurts' to Lose to Mets in MLB Playoffs
Oct 10, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning against the New York Mets during Game Four of the Division Series at Citi Field on October 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Kyle Schwarber didn't mince words after the Philadelphia Phillies' season came to an end with a 4-1 loss to the New York Mets in the National League Division Series on Wednesday night.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Schwarber said "it f--king hurts" to lose following a regular season that saw the Phillies win the NL East for the first time since 2011.
The Phillies looked like a juggernaut in the first half of the season. They went 62-34 with a plus-110 run differential before the All-Star break.
Things weren't as easy for them after the break. They played .500 ball over their final 66 games (33-33) and had a plus-three run differential.
That post-All-Star-Break performance carried over into the Division Series. The Phillies led or were tied in the sixth inning in three of their four games, but the bullpen couldn't finish the job.
The Mets scored six runs in the final two innings of Game 1 after being shut out for seven innings by Zack Wheeler. Ranger SuƔrez went 4.2 scoreless innings in Game 4 before being replaced by Jeff Hoffman.
Hoffman, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahmāall of whom had ERAs between 1.87 and 2.29 during the regular seasonācombined to allow 11 earned runs in seven innings against the Mets.
The Phillies' bats were quiet with a .186/.295/.302 slash line and three homers in four games. Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos were the only players with more than one extra-base hit. They scored a total of five runs in their three losses.
Philadelphia's 95 wins in the regular season were its most since that 2011 team went 102-60. The 2011 team lost in the NLDS to the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
The Mets still have a lot of work to do to get to the top of the mountain, but they are riding an incredible wave after clinching a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season by winning the first game of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves.
Nick Castellanos' Walk-Off Hit Energizes MLB Fans as Phillies Beat Mets to Even NLDS
Oct 6, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning against the New York Mets in Game Two of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)
The night belonged to Nick Castellanos.
The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 7-6 Game 2 NLDS victory over the New York Mets.
Castellanos had delivered a diving catch in the top of the ninth inning to keep the game tied at six. He finished the day 3-for-5 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a home run.
His heroics had fans rushing to social media to praise his efforts.
Nick Castellanos with the first postseason walk-off win for the #Phillies since Jimmy Rollins in Game 4 of the 2009 NLCS.
That was one of the wildest postseason games in #Phillies history. Phils beat the Mets 7-6 as Nick Castellanos wins it with a walk off RBI single in the bottom of the 9th. Series even at a game a piece, Game #3 in New York Tuesday.
They say hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do but lemme tell you trying to bartend when your brother ties the game with a homer in the NLDS is not too far behind
Castellanos wasn't the only standout performer. Bryson Stott, who was celebrating his 27th birthday, went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, both of which came on a two-run triple in the eighth inning.
Bryce Harper went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and Trea Turner went 2-for-4. Cristopher Sanchez went five innnings, allowing two runs striking out five batters.
Fans celebrated the Phillies effort and projected the team to carry the momentum back to New York.
FINAL: Phillies 7, Mets 6
One of the best games of the postseason ends in a Nick Castellanos walkoff. Huge win for Philadelphia.
The best-of-five series is now tied at 1 as it heads to Queens for the next two games. An 0-2 hole would have been very difficult for the Phillies to climb out of, but the tied up series will give both teams a solid footing in the pursuit for a series win.
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:08 p.m. ET.
Phillies Bench All-Star Alec Bohm amid Struggles; Edmundo Sosa Starts Game 2 vs. Mets
Oct 6, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 05: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on in the eighth inning during Game 1 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
In a fairly surprising move, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson made the decision to bench All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm for Sunday's pivotal Game 2 matchup against the New York Mets in the NLDS.
Thomson told reporters he was looking to inject some energy in the lineup so he was opting for Edmundo Sosa at third base. He'll hit seventh in the lineup.
"He's scuffling a little bit," Thomson added. "It's not like there aren't other guys scuffling in the lineup. But I just wanted to get some energy in the lineup. And I think Sosa is kind of our energy guy. Run around and do some things. Maybe create some things."
Rob Thomson is putting Edmundo Sosa in the lineup, in part, for the energy he brings. How much does he sense the Phils need an energy boost after Game 1?@KYWNewsradiopic.twitter.com/EDQfs2gYBc
Bohm, 28, hit .280 with 15 homers, 97 RBI, 62 runs, 44 doubles and a .779 OPS this season, spending much of the year as the clean-up hitter and Bryce Harper's protection in the lineup. But a hand injury suffered late in the season cost him 14 games in September, and for the month he hit just .170 with two homers, eight RBI and a .502 OPS across 47 at-bats.
He was one of many Phillies to struggle in Saturday's Game 1, going 0-for-4 in the 6-2 loss that spoiled Zack Wheeler's spectacular performance (seven innings, no runs, one hit, nine strikeouts).
"He is frustrated and I get it, but you've got to keep playing," Thomson noted of his All-Star third baseman. "I texted Bohm last night and brought him in and talked to him today. Just told him to be ready to pinch-hit. I just wanted to get that energy into the lineup. He's actually a really good pinch-hitter. He wants to play, no doubt. But he's a pro."
The 28-year-old Sosa, meanwhile, is an excellent fielder and utility man for the Phillies but isn't exactly renowned for his bat, hitting .253 with seven homers, 31 RBI and a .734 OPS in 90 games this season.
The Phillies need some sort of boost after the lineup was largely befuddled by a bullpen game from the Mets, regularly chasing bad pitches out of the zone. Outside of a Kyle Schwarber homer in the first inning and a meaningless run in the ninth, the Phillies looked lost at the plate in Game 1.
"We need to eliminate some of that chase we saw yesterday, that's for sure," Thomson told reporters. "I hope it is in their heads. You've got to adjust. They get it, they understand it."
Phillies' Bryce Harper Says MLB Fined Him for Wearing Wawa-Themed Uniform Apparel
Oct 3, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies gestures during the fifth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper's pandering antics apparently cost him some money during the 2024 season.
Speaking to Hannah Keyser of Front Office Sports, Harper revealed Major League Baseball fined him for improper advertising stemming from his use of Wawa-themed cleats and a headband.
"Obviously I understand why," Harper said of the fine, "but also I think kids love it."
Harper, who didn't specify how much MLB fined him, wore the custom cleats and headband during the Phillies' 8-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians on July 27.
The level of detail in the cleats is impressive because they included a barcode with "Gottahavea Harper" as an homage to the company's slogan of "Gottahava Wawa."
Wawa, for those who don't know, is a convenience store chain that originated in the Philadelphia metropolitan area with headquarters located in Delaware County.
Since signing with the Phillies as a free agent in March 2019, Harper has taken his duties as the face of the franchise very seriously. He has been accused of going overboard with his pandering to Philadelphia, but it's actually endearing to see a superstar player who wants to connect to fans in the city.
Harper can more than afford whatever fine MLB gave him. He is in the sixth year of a 13-year, $330 million contract that runs through the 2031 season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the New York Mets 12-2 in a game at Citi Field on September 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies are NL East champions for the first time in more than a decade.
They clinched the division on Mondaywith a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs,marking their return to the top of the NL East for the first time since 2011.
That last division win came amid a stretch of five NL East titles from 2007 to 2011, highlighted by the Phillies' 2008 World Series victory, and followed by a decade without a postseason appearance.
Philadelphia is not only back in the postseason, but it's also looking to contend for the third title in franchise history.
Here's a look at the playoff picture now that the Phillies have secured their spot atop the division.
Projected American League Playoff Matchups
First-round bye: No. 1 New York Yankees, No. 2 Cleveland Guardians
Wild Card Series: No. 3 Houston Astros vs. No. 6 Detroit Tigers, No. 4 Baltimore Orioles vs. No. 5 Kansas City Royals
Projected National League Playoff Matchups
First-round bye: No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers, No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies
Wild Card Series: No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers vs. No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks, No. 4 San Diego Padres vs. No. 5 New York Mets
The Phillies have earned themselves a first-round bye and a trip to the NLDS with their dominant regular season.
There's still more on the line in the remainder of the regular season, though. They could could guarantee themselves home-field advantage throughout the entire postseason if they are able to beat out the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in Major League Baseball.
Current Standings
AL East
New York Yankees (92-64)*
Baltimore Orioles (86-70, 6 GB)
Boston Red Sox (78-78, 14 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays (78-78, 14 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays (73-83, 19 GB)
AL Central
Cleveland Guardians (90-67)*
Kansas City Royals (82-74, 7.5 GB)
Detroit Tigers (82-74, 7.5 GB)
Minnesota Twins (81-75, 8.5 GB)
Chicago White Sox (36-120, 53.5 GB)
AL West
Houston Astros (85-71)
Seattle Mariners (80-76, 5 GB)
Texas Rangers (74-82, 11 GB)
Oakland Athletics (67-89, 18 GB)
Los Angeles Angels (63-93, 22 GB)
AL Wild Card
Baltimore Orioles (86-70, +4 Games)
Kansas City Royals (82-74)
Detroit Tigers (82-74)
Minnesota Twins (81-75, 1 GB)
Seattle Mariners (80-76, 2 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays (78-78, 4 GB)
Boston Red Sox (78-78, 4 GB)
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies (93-64)**
New York Mets (87-69, 5.5 GB)
Atlanta Braves (85-71, 7.5 GB)
Washington Nationals (69-87, 23.5 GB)
Miami Marlins (57-99, 35.5 GB)
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers (89-67)**
Chicago Cubs (80-77, 9.5 GB)
St. Louis Cardinals (79-77, 10 GB)
Cincinnati Reds, (76-81, 13.5 GB)
Pittsburgh Pirates (73-83, 16 GB)
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers (93-63)*
San Diego Padres (90-66, 3 GB)
Arizona Diamondbacks (87-69, 6 GB)
San Francisco Giants (77-79, 16 GB)
Colorado Rockies (60-96, 33 GB)
NL Wild Card
San Diego Padres (90-66, +3 Games)
New York Mets (87-69)
Arizona Diamondbacks (87-69)
Atlanta Braves (85-71, 2 GB)
*Denotes clinched playoff spot
**Denotes clinched division
The Phillies' last two postseason runs ended in heartbreak.
Two years ago, they made it back to the World Series for the first time since 2009, pulling out to 1-0 and 2-1 series leads over the Houston Astros before losing in six games.
The Phillies then came within one win of another trip to the World Series after gaining a 3-2 lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 NL Championship Series, only to lose Games 6 and 7 to the NL West Wild Card team.
In order to make it back to the World Series this fall, they may need to face another NL East opponent in the NL Division Series. The Atlanta Braves, whom the Phillies have ousted from both the 2022 and 2023 NLDS, are vying with the New York Mets for the final wild-card spot in the NL.
The Braves would bring Cy Young favorite Chris Sale to the mound, while Francisco Lindor's bat is putting his name in NL MVP contention for the Mets.
The Phillies will hope to counter both potential division opponents with one of the best starting rotations in the MLB.
Zack Wheeler is likely to get the start in Game 1 of the postseason after posting an NL-best 0.96 WHIP through 31 starts this season. Cristopher SƔnchez stands to benefit from home-field advantage after ranking third in the NL with a 2.05 ERA at home.
Aaron Nola and Ranger SuƔrez round out, arguably, the strongest rotation in the NL heading into the postseason, although both will need to bounce back before the postseason. The former has posted his highest ERA of the season in September, while the latter has struggled with consistency since returning from the IL at the end of August.
The Phillies' pitching has often been more reliable than the team's offense, which threatened to derail the hopes of a division title as scoring plateaued in earlier stretches of the season.
After last year's World Series hopes fell apart when the Phillies scored a combined three runs in the final two games of the loss to the Diamondbacks, Philadelphia will need consistent offense from batters such as Trea Turner, Alec Bohm and Bryce Harper in order to make a deeper run this postseason.
For now the Phillies' focus will turn to securing the best record in the MLB and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
If they can establish pitching consistency and increase offensive momentum during this final stretch, the Phillies could enter the postseason as a favorite for a third straight trip to the NLCS.
Caitlin Clark Talks Viral Phillies Play-By-Play Video: 'That's a Hard Gig'
Sep 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. - SEPTEMBER 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever smiles during the game against the Washington Mystics on September 19, 2024 at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
Caitlin Clark discussed her newfound respect for play-by-play announcing following her attempt to commentate a Philadelphia Phillies game in a viral TikTok video.
"I've kind of been following the Phillies, so I kind of know some of their players," the Indiana Fever star explained to reporters on Saturday. "It was pretty funny. I messed up a few times, but that's a hard gig! Also, I was out of breath and exhausted. So, shoutout to all the commentators out there."
"I did it for two minutes and I needed a break," she added.
Caitlin Clark, on the TikTok of her play-by-play for the MLB game: āIāve kind of been following the Phillies, so I kinda know some of their playersā¦ I messed up a few times, but thatās a hard gig! I was out of breath and exhaustedā¦ shoutout to all the commentators out there.ā pic.twitter.com/quDNTfHZCy
Clark was caught commentating the Phillies' 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers by Fever teammate Lexie Hull on TikTok. The All-Star guard commented on her teammate's post, jokingly asking Philadelphia to hire her as a new member of the broadcasting team.
Caitlin Clark calling a baseball game is hysterical š
Although she grew up in Iowa, Clark explained that she's grown fond of the Phillies due to her boyfriend.
"My boyfriend grew up a really big Phillies fan, so I kind of had to like the Phillies," she said. "But I do like them. I like Bryce Harper."
Why Clark likes the Phils: āMy boyfriend grew up a really big Phillies fan, so I kinda had toā¦ I still like the Cubs, I like the Yankees. Iām not like a diehard any baseball teamā¦ I liked the Chiefs before the Chiefs were really good too, so Iām not a bandwagoner either.ā https://t.co/N7yKpZgG07pic.twitter.com/16yW2zAUMb
After she was selected by Indiana with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, Clark has exceeded expectations throughout her rookie season. Her scoring average of 19.2 points per game led all first-year players, making her a strong candidate to earn the Rookie of the Year award. She also averaged 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists while hitting 3.1 three-point shots per game.
Clark is gearing up for the playoffs, as the Fever are set to begin a first-round series against the Connecticut Sun. Game 1 is on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
