In a move to bolster their outfield depth, the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with veteran Tommy Pham, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. The 36-year-old Pham, who split time between the White Sox, Cardinals, and Royals last season, brings a wealth of experience to a young Pirates club looking to improve upon their 62-100 record in 2022.
A Journeyman’s Journey Continues
Tommy Pham’s MLB odyssey is set to enter its 12th chapter, as the well-traveled outfielder prepares to don the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pham, who has played for nine different organizations over the course of his career, will be joining his 10th team when he reports to Pirates spring training in Bradenton, Florida.
Last season, Pham showcased his versatility by playing for three different clubs – the White Sox, Cardinals, and Royals. In 130 games, he hit .248 with 9 home runs and posted a .686 OPS. While these numbers represent a decline from his peak years with the Cardinals and Rays, Pham’s veteran presence and ability to play all three outfield positions make him a valuable addition to the Pirates roster.
The Tommy Pham Impact
So what can the Pirates expect from their new outfielder? First and foremost, Pham brings a proven track record of production at the major league level. Over his 11-year career, he has amassed 1,150 hits, 139 home runs, and 394 RBIs while posting a respectable .773 OPS. His best season came in 2017 with the Cardinals, when he hit .306 with 23 homers and 25 stolen bases en route to an 11th place finish in NL MVP voting.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Pham also brings valuable postseason experience to a Pirates club that hasn’t tasted October baseball since 2015. He has appeared in the playoffs five times over the course of his career, including each of the last two seasons with the Padres and Royals.
Tommy Pham is an experienced outfielder who will bring a veteran presence to our lineup and clubhouse. He has proven that he can handle himself well against major league pitching and his defensive versatility will provide us with plenty of options as we look to put together our outfield puzzle.
Pirates GM Ben Cherington
Pham’s Fit in Pittsburgh
Pham joins an outfield mix in Pittsburgh that is long on potential but short on proven commodities. He’ll likely slot in alongside two-time All-Star and reigning NL Comeback Player of the Year Andrew McCutchen, who returned to the Pirates on a one-year deal this offseason after spending the last five years with the Giants and Phillies. The other outfield spot will be up for grabs, with talented youngsters Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz among those vying for playing time.
- Andrew McCutchen: The face of the franchise returns for a reunion tour
- Bryan Reynolds: Toolsy outfielder looking to bounce back after sophomore slump
- Oneil Cruz: Towering shortstop could see time in the outfield
While Pham may not be the transformative signing that vaults the Pirates into contention, he represents a savvy, low-cost addition for a club looking to take incremental steps forward. At 36 years old, he’s not a long-term building block, but rather a bridge to the future who can mentor the club’s younger players while providing reliable production in the present.
The Bottom Line on Tommy Pham
In the end, the signing of Tommy Pham is a clear win for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They get a proven outfielder with a track record of success at the major league level, postseason experience, and the defensive versatility to mix and match in the outfield. While Pham may no longer be the All-Star caliber player he was at his peak, he still has plenty to offer to a young Pirates team looking to lay the foundation for future success.
For Pirates fans, the addition of Pham represents a step in the right direction as the club looks to emerge from the NL Central cellar. While a return to the playoffs may still be a ways off, signings like this one signal that the front office is committed to putting a competitive product on the field in the short term while building towards a brighter future. If Pham can recapture some of his old magic and provide a steadying presence in the lineup and the locker room, he could go down as one of the most astute pickups of the offseason.
