The Chicago Cubs hope to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2020 as they head into 2024. They could have one last chance to strengthen the roster before Opening Day if the free agent market moves slowly. Is it wise for Jed Hoyer, the president of baseball operations, to pursue Tommy Pham, an experienced outfielder?
Sports Illustrated’s FanNation’s Jon Conahan believes Chicago need to attempt a last-minute trade for the right-handed hitter. “With the goals Chicago has set for itself this year, it is certain that Pham is needed. Their objective is to make the playoffs, so they don’t want to reflect on the past and regret not doing more in the offseason.
Assuming Seiya Suzuki doesn’t hit as well as he did in the second half of last season and others fail to contribute, Cody Bellinger might not have the season he enjoyed in 2023. If so, this offensive won’t be nearly as effective as it needs to be to achieve the goals the business has set out for itself.
Pham played for the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023, sharing the season. Over the course of 481 plate appearances, he hit.256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs, 68 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. In 16 postseason games for Arizona, Pham also made an appearance and finished with a.772 OPS and three home runs.
Pham’s market value is estimated by Spotrac to be $8.3 million. But any team that contracts him will almost probably be paying him less than that, especially as Opening Day draws closer.
How Could the Cubs Benefit from Tommy Pham?
As Conahan pointed out, Pham joining the Cubs would strengthen their offensive combination. Pham serves as a safety net should some of Chicago’s anticipated contributors—such as Bellinger or Christopher Morel—experience negative reversion.
Suppose manager Craig Counsell decides to move Bellinger into a regular first base role because Michael Busch is still having trouble at the major league level. Then, Pham, who has recently filled in at all three outfield positions, might offer another strong bat.
Conahan pointed out that the front staff in Chicago appears to be confident in the roster as it stands right now. That’s presumably partially the reason the Cubs didn’t give slugger J.D. Martinez any thought while he was available. Pham’s addition, meanwhile, probably won’t break the bank and, in theory, would only increase the Cubs’ chances of making the postseason.
Does Anyone Else Take the Outfielder Seriously?
Pham has had a lot of interest in his services despite being a free agent for the whole winter. As many as eight MLB teams have been in contact with the ten-year veteran throughout the offseason, according to a March 17 report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Pham and the San Diego Padres have been in talks lately, with the team hoping to sign him for a $3–4 million contract. According to Nightengale, San Diego’s primary rival for the outfield player is the Chicago White Sox.
According to Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA projections, the Cubs will trail the St. Louis Cardinals by one game in the 2024 National League Central standings. It comes with a projected victory total of 81.5 and a 37.6% chance of making the playoffs. It would be advantageous to add another seasoned bat with postseason experience, such as Pham. It appears likely, though, that the outfielder will end up starting the season somewhere else.
