The Pirates’ offseason-long seek for a nook outfielder has led them to Tommy Pham, who signed a one-year contract, the membership introduced on Sunday. The deal is price $4.025 million, sources advised MLB.com. The membership didn’t disclose monetary phrases.
Pham, who turns 37 subsequent month, slashed .248/.305/.368 with 9 dwelling runs and 39 RBIs final season. An 11-year Main League veteran, Pham signed a Minor League take care of the White Sox in mid-April final yr, and break up time between the White Sox, Cardinals and Royals. That kind of globetrotting has turn out to be the norm for Pham in current seasons, enjoying for seven groups over the previous three years.
Whereas Pham’s total numbers have been under common final season, his peripherals have been principally stable. His .319 xwOBA was proper according to a mean Main League hitter, and he nonetheless has bat velocity (72.7 mph) and a stable batting eye (chasing simply 18.7% of pitches out of the zone, placing him within the 97th percentile of gamers).
Defensively, Pham graded poorly final season, being price -2 Outs Above Common and -10 defensive runs saved, however he was capable of present that he may nonetheless play all three outfield positions. It’s a helpful talent to have, although he was price -7 defensive runs saved in 223 innings in heart discipline final season, suggesting he ought to in all probability persist with the corners at this stage of his profession. That’s wonderful for the Pirates, whose greatest want is within the nook outfield.
Whereas the Pirates are set with Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz within the outfield, one other nook outfielder has been a necessity all offseason after the staff opted to non-tender Bryan De La Cruz and Connor Joe in November. The place basically wanted assist, as their .614 OPS, 11 dwelling runs and .319 slugging share from proper fielders final season ranked twenty ninth amongst all groups (forward of solely the White Sox).
Pham tasks to be a major outfielder for this membership, however the Pirates do produce other choices on the 40-man roster. Jack Suwinski and Joshua Palacios confirmed upside in 2023 earlier than struggling setbacks in ’24, although there may be at all times the prospect of a bounceback. Nick Yorke and Billy Cook dinner have been acquired on the Commerce Deadline, and whereas Cook dinner is the extra pure outfielder of the 2, they may additionally play some proper discipline this season. It stands to cause Pham may theoretically transfer right into a platoon or reserve function midseason if another person in that group emerges. If no person does, Pham has proven he can nonetheless be an on a regular basis participant, enjoying in 116 video games final season regardless of not being on a Main League roster till April 26.
Pham is the fifth participant the Pirates have signed to a assured Main League contract this winter, with three coming within the final week and a half. Andrew McCutchen re-signed in December, adopted by left-hander Caleb Ferguson in January. Infielder Adam Frazier and lefty reliever Tim Mayza each had their contracts finalized throughout the previous 9 days.
The Pirates might want to make a corresponding roster transfer as soon as the deal is finalized.
