Pirates Reportedly Interested in Free Agent Tommy Pham
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Spring training is in full-force, but the Pittsburgh Pirates might not be done adding to their roster just yet.
The Pirates are interested in free agent outfielder Tommy Pham, as reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray on The Baseball Insiders on Youtube.
Pham, who turned 36 last week, has played 10 seasons in the major leagues. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006 and made his major-league debut during the 2014 season with St. Louis.
For his career, Pham has been an above-average contributor at the plate with a 116 wRC+ in 1,005 career games played. Pham carries a career .259/.351/.435 slash with 163 doubles, 130 home runs, 431 RBIs and 119 stolen bases.
The veteran started the 2023 season with the New York Mets. He was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline and helped lead his new team to a World Series appearance.
Combined between the two teams, Pham hit .256 with a .774 OPS, 27 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs, 68 RBIs and 22 steals in 129 games played. He had respectable platoon splits, as he has for the majority of his career.
Defensively, Pham spent time at all three outfield spots — primarily in left — and often served as a designated hitter. Though he likely won’t be winning any Gold Gloves, he is still a capable defender at the corner-outfield spots.
The Pirates have several in-house options who are battling for the starting right field job. Joshua Palacios carved out a substantial role last season but has been limited to just two games this spring due to injuries.
Edward Olivares, who was acquired from the Kansas City Royals in the offseason, has a .543 OPS through 10 games. Connor Joe is another option for the Pirates in right, but he may be destined for a platoon role. Non-roster invitee Billy McKinney has impressed this spring and is another candidate.
If the Pirates were to bring in Pham on a free-agent contract, he would likely have the upper-hand to roam the outfield alongside Jack Suwinski and Bryan Reynolds.
