There is another contender in the race.
After trading Dylan Cease, the San Diego Padres are still looking for an outfielder. Tommy Pham, a former Padres outfielder, is among those they’ve been linked to this offseason.
Pham is still a free agent following a successful 2023 season with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks.
A return to San Diego makes tons of sense, but they’re reportedly not the only team interested in his services.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates are another team showing interest in Pham.
Pham appeared in 129 games for the two teams last year, hitting.256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI.
He was Arizona’s three-hole hitter during their unexpected World Series run, and he had a strong playoffs, batting.279/.297/.475 with three homers. Pham’s career postseason OPS is.846 in 31 games.
Pham can play all three outfield positions, but his primary position is left field, something the Padres now lack.
As of now, Jurickson Profar is likely the Opening Day left fielder, but he got injured in the team’s final Cactus League game. His status for Opening Day on March 20 remains unclear.
Of course, Pham wouldn’t even be able to make it in time for Korea if he was signed right now. But the need remains clear for the Friars as the regular season nears.
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