Phillies Could Pursue White Sox Outfielder Tommy Pham At Trade Deadline

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Tommy Pham #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a double in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers during Game Two of the World Series at Globe Life Field on October 28, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly targeting Chicago White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham at the trade deadline. With the White Sox well, well out of the postseason race, Pham could be headed to his sixth team in the span of three seasons.

Pham is currently batting .264 with four home runs on a White Sox team doomed to a historically poor finish by season’s end. At the All-Star break, Chicago is 27-71 and 27.5 games out of the Wild Card. The team is on pace to lose nearly 120 games. Any price for Pham, a 36-year-old journeyman, would be worth taking for the team.

With a 62-34 record, the Phillies are on the opposite end of the spectrum, firmly in control of the N.L. East division and one of two National League teams seemingly in contention for a World Series berth. The team has plenty of talent in the outfield between Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh, but an injury to star Bryce Harper did impact the team’s depth. Pham could be an ideal short-term pickup.

In addition to the Phillies, the Royals are also reportedly interested in trading for Pham at the end of this month. Kansas City has overperformed in 2024 and are just two games out of the Wild Card at the All-Star break. The team are sure to consider buying at the deadline, and Pham has been a hot commodity for budget-conscious teams in recent years.

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If Pham were to join Philadelphia, it would be his ninth team since debuting in 2014. In 2022, he spent time with the Reds before the Red Sox acquired him for a playoff push. The Arizona Diamondbacks did the same thing in 2023, trading with the Mets to acquire him before going to the World Series. At this point, there is no seller in a more dire situation than the 2024 White Sox, making yet another trade highly likely.

Pham has gained a reputation in recent years as an outspoken club member, for better or worse. It is unclear whether his frequent moves are a result of this or simply a matter of circumstance. Regardless, he has proven capable of contributing to winning teams in search of a postseason run, making him a valuable addition despite his advancing age.