The Chicago White Sox rumor mill continues to churn even after the highly anticipated Dylan Cease trade. This time, it's about an unsigned veteran outfielder. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today , the White Sox have interest in Tommy Pham.
However, the San Diego Padres, Chicago's trade partner for Cease, are the frontrunners to land Pham's services. Nightengale mentions that the Friars currently have a one-year deal on the table. But should that deal fail to come together, Chicago is the likely destination for the 36-year-old.
Adding the journeyman outfielder is a peculiar idea, given that he's primarily played left field for most of his career. The White Sox filled that position for the foreseeable future by signing Andrew Benintendi to a five-year, $75 million deal in the 2023 offseason. The report states that the agreement with San Diego is close to the finish line, and the negotiations with Chicago are yet to commence.
Why?
The White Sox' likely idea involving Pham is a short-side platoon with left-handed rookie Dominic Fletcher, who came to Chicago in an offseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The South Siders' only right-handed outfielder on their 40-man roster is All-Star center fielder Luis Robert Jr. The most likely candidate to assume those duties is Kevin Pillar, who is in camp with the White Sox as a non-roster invitee.
However, Pham stated he doesn't view himself as a platoon player. The Padres need a starting left fielder after Jurickson Profar posted the worst season of his career. Additionally, they'll have another spot for Pham at DH, where he played 44 games for the New York Mets and Diamondbacks last season, when Manny Machado is healthy enough to return to third base.
What's On Tap Next?
Nevertheless, Pham may have to settle for a limited role as Opening Day quickly approaches. If he lands in Chicago, he'll have a chance to earn more playing time, as Fletcher underperformed in Spring Training while DH Eloy Jimenez has struggled to stay healthy. Should he play well, he'll be dealt to a contender at the trade deadline.
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