With the MLB Draft now over, the rumors surrounding the Trade Deadline are expected to pick up. They have done so today, as insider Jon Heyman has reported that as the White Sox begin their selloff, the Phillies and Royals thought to at least have some interest in acquiring Tommy Pham at the deadline.
After a strong start to the season, Pham has settled into a solid .264/.339/.368 slash line on the season while posting an above-average 103 wRC+. He’s been one of the few bright spots in the White Sox lineup, as has the versatility defensively to play all three outfield positions. However, he hasn’t been strong defensively this season, posting -4 Outs Above Average (OAA) across all three outfield positions – with right field (-3 OAA) being the worst.
The Phillies recently released Whit Merrifield, who played 25 games in left field for them. The Phillies had hoped that Merrifield could be a platoon piece against LHP, but instead struggled against southpaws with a .567 OPS. Pham, however, fits this role perfectly, as he has hit .260/.383/.480 against lefties so far this season.
As for the Royals, they remain in the hunt heading into the second half, sitting just seven games back in the AL Central. Their trade of the 39th pick in this year’s draft along with their #2 prospect Cayden Wallace for RP Hunter Harvey of the Nationals proves that they are certainly looking to go for it this season. However, with their outfielders posting a league-worst 78 wRC+ this season, they’re going to need some help down the stretch if they’re going to close the gap.
The Mariners and Pirates were also mentioned by Heyman as teams who are seeking bats, so it wouldn’t be a surprise for the White Sox to entertain trades with either of these teams as well for any of their available hitters.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates.
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