The San Diego Padres missed out on another potential free agent, Michael A. Taylor, who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this week.
With the outfielder free agent pool now limited, only a few options remain available. Tommy Pham, a former Padre, is considered the best viable option.
The 36-year-old is still a free agent and has been linked to a potential deal with the Padres. Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported that a deal between Pham and the Padres could be finalized soon.
The San Diego Padres and outfielder Tommy Pham are nearing a reunion on a one-year deal worth between $3 million to $4 million. Pham, who earned $8 million last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, played for the Padres in 2020 and 2021.
The Chicago White Sox also have interest in Pham if the Padres’ deal falls through. This potential move would address the Padres’ need for an outfielder, with Pham being a familiar face and a previously linked target for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Padres could benefit from adding Pham, who had a solid year at the plate in 2023. In 129 games split between the New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks, he posted a slash line of .256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs.
Pham’s ability to play all three outfield positions, particularly left field, makes him a valuable addition to the Padres, who have a gap to fill in that position. Jurickson Profar, another former Padre who recently rejoined the team, was expected to handle left field. However, his status for Opening Day is uncertain as he sustained injuries in the team’s final Cactus League game.
With such little time left before the regular season begins, Pham appears to be the most sensible option for the Padres. The team is set to open the regular season on Wednesday in Korea against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with two exhibition games against Korean clubs scheduled before then.
If Pham were to sign a major league contract with the Padres, he would need to make the trip across the Pacific in time for the season opener.
For Pham, the opportunity to reunite with the Padres could make the journey worthwhile.
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