Phillies' Worst Development This Season Wasn't What You Thought

The Philadelphia Phillies just completed another disappointing campaign in which they were bounced early from the postseason, and it's becoming increasingly obvious that changes are needed.

One area in which the Phillies could make a change is at the corner infield spots, where they employed all of Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott throughout the year.

Stott moved over to third base once Philadelphia acquired Luis Arraez at the MLB trade deadline, which shifted Bohm to first. Harper then went back to right field.

The general expectation is that the Phillies will move Harper (assuming they keep him) back to first base in 2027, which would mean third base would be wide open.

Bohm is hitting free agency this offseason, and while he had a strong second half, most Philadelphia fans are tired of him and want something different.

The problem? The free-agent market is incredibly thin on options at the hot corner, and as of right now, it doesn't look like the trade market will provide anything, either.

That's what makes Aidan Miller's lost season that much more deflating.

Miller was expected to compete for a spot on the big-league roster heading into 2026, but a back injury caused him to miss Spring Training ... and most of the season.

The top prospect returned in September and played in just four regular-season games while also participating in the playoffs, but he did not have nearly enough time to make an impression for 2027.

Had Miller remained healthy this year, he could have been a factor in the third base conversation next season, but now, the chances of him starting 2027 on the Phillies' major-league roster are slim to none.

Miller's injury issues throughout 2026 has made things that much more difficult for Philadelphia, and now, the team is in a position where it may have to re-sign Bohm. Because, well, what else is Dave Dombrowski going to do?

There are no definitive upgrades over Bohm slated to be available. Surely, the Phillies were planning on Miller — who is a shortstop but is blocked by Trea Turner — eventually supplanting Bohm at the position, but that can has been kicked further down the road.

Miller would have given Philadelphia a lot of flexibility. The Phillies could have also moved Turner to the outfield, put Miller at shortstop, slid Stott over to third base and then re-signed Arraez in free agency, but that probably isn't a thing anymore.

A lot of unfortunate things happened in Philadelphia this season, but Miller's no-show may have been the worst of them all.