With the Major League Baseball All-Star Game now behind us, the trade deadline is fast approaching. Every contending team is looking to strengthen their roster, and the Philadelphia Phillies are no exception. Currently holding the best record in MLB at 62-34, the Phillies are well-positioned for a strong postseason run, aiming for a World Series title.
Despite having baseball’s best starting rotation and the most returning players with postseason experience, the Phillies have a noticeable gap in center field. Star rookie Johan Rojas has struggled in his second year, leaving a void that needs filling. While the team could move left fielder Brandon Marsh to center, they are widely expected to seek an additional outfielder.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Phillies are eyeing a potential target: Tommy Pham of the Chicago White Sox. Pham, who played a key role in defeating the Phillies in the 2023 NLCS with the Arizona Diamondbacks, has garnered the Phillies’ interest.
Heyman noted that the White Sox “should certainly have takers” for the 36-year-old Pham, who has a proven track record in October. In 31 career postseason games, Pham boasts a .313 batting average and an .846 OPS. While he didn’t fare well against the Phillies in the NLCS (2-for-20), he excelled in the NLDS and World Series with an OPS over 1.000.
Pham, who signed a one-year contract with Chicago at the start of the regular season, is considered a prime trade candidate. With a modest $3 million salary this year, he is a cost-effective option for teams seeking a seasoned postseason performer. Despite playing for eight different teams, Pham has yet to win a World Series ring, fueling his desire to join a contender.
The Phillies’ interest in Pham signals their intent to bolster their roster for a championship run. The key question remains whether they will act on this interest and bring Pham into their already formidable lineup.
