This past winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers invested more than $1 billion to position themselves as a potential World Series contender. They have jumped off to a 35-22 start in the 2024 season, which has given them a 5.5-game lead in the National League West. However, the club has to fill positions on the roster for the final stretch as the trade deadline of July 30 draws nearer. Would that mean going after Tommy Pham, an outfielder for the Chicago White Sox?
Pham was mentioned by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic as a potential target to improve the failing Dodgers outfield. Heyward, Pages, Outman, and Miguel Vargas are the four outfielders that should ideally produce at least two good players, according to him. The Dodgers would be prudent to look into the market even then for outfielders, who are often in high demand near the deadline. One option would be Tommy Pham of the White Sox, who is a fan favorite among the team.
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Pham’s extended stay on the free-agent market caused his 2024 season to begin later than expected. When he took the field with the White Sox, he immediately made an impact. The 36-year-old is making contact.In 128 plate appearances, he hit 294/.344/.429 with three home runs, seven doubles, 12 RBI, and 17 runs scored. Chicago will undoubtedly be a trade deadline seller because of their 15-41 record. General manager Chris Getz only needs to decide which players to deal. Pham’s current output and contract status (he inked a $3 million, one-year deal) will probably attract interest.
Dodgers Could Use An Uptick in Outfield Performance
Even though Los Angeles made significant financial investments to strengthen the roster, manager Dave Roberts’ outfield appears to be a clear weak point. In 226 plate appearances, Dodger outfielders have combined to hit.204/.272/.348. According to FanGraphs, their combined 81 wRC+ is the fourth-worst total in baseball.
Pham Has Experienced Midseason Trades
When a player is traded in the middle of the season, it can throw off their regular pattern. But depending on their circumstances, for some, it’s just part of the game. Over the course of his 11-year career, Pham has been traded three times during the regular season. In 2018, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The seasoned outfielder knows the predicament he usually finds himself in. He spoke to Mike Puma of the New York Post prior to his trade to Arizona last year: “As the deadline approaches, just make sure you have two bags packed, that is just how things are for me with my contract situation making me tradeable.”
