White Sox acquire outfielder Tommy Pham from Phillies

Tommy Pham. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

White Sox acquire outfielder Tommy Pham from Phillies

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 4:04 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox are acquiring outfielder Tommy Pham from the Philadelpha Phillies, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The Phillies were able to make this trade since he was not on the 40-man roster.

The 38-year-old veteran is expected to join the White Sox when rosters expand on Sept. 1. In addition to spending time with the Phillies this season, Pham has also spent time with the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles and last played on April 26 with the Mets and went 0-for-13 with them.

Pham has played in 68 minor league games with three different teams this season, logging eight home runs, 39 RBI and a .775 OPS. As well, he hit .750/.714/1.750 across even plate appearances for the Phillies' Florida Complex league this season.

Trade news: The Chicago White Sox are acquiring outfielder Tommy Pham from the Philadelphia Phillies, sources tell ESPN. Pham is expected to join the White Sox when rosters expand Sept. 1. The 38-year-old rejoins the Sox after spending parts of 2026 with the Mets, O's and Phils.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2026

What type of impact will Tommy Pham provide for the White Sox?

Following back-to-back seasons recording 100+ losses in 2024 and 2025, the White Sox have made a tremendous turnaround with a 72-64 record and remain in first in the AL Central, they will be looking to draw attention in this year's postseason as they haven't clinched a playoff berth since 2021.

Since Pham has been acquired prior to the cutoff date, it makes him eligible for the postseason roster, and he's been known for his success as a playoff threat. Pham has logged a career .315/.331/.492 slash line with six home runs across 37 games in the postseason. In addition, Pham would also be playing for a White Sox team that he previously played for in 2024, reacquainting him with a familiar environment.

He also provides the team with outfield depth with an experienced player who can help secure their success in the AL Central with the remaining stretch of the regular season.

Last but not least, Pham will likely be utilized when the team is matched up against left-handed pitchers, as he owns a career .259 batting average with 49 home runs and 137 RBI across 1,348 plate appearances against southpaws.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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