Pirates Add Tommy Pham on One-Year Deal to Strengthen Outfield Depth
The Pittsburgh Pirates have recently made a move to bolster their outfield with the signing of veteran Tommy Pham to a one-year, $4 million contract. This marks the end of the Pirates’ long search for a corner outfielder during the offseason, and it’s a deal that could bring valuable experience to their roster. While the team has yet to officially confirm the signing, sources have reported the agreement, and Pham, who turns 37 next month, will be joining a Pirates team in need of stability in the outfield.
Pham, a seasoned Major League player, brings with him over a decade of big league experience. Last season, Pham posted a .248 batting average, along with a .305 on-base percentage and a .368 slugging percentage, totaling nine home runs and 39 RBIs. His numbers from 2024 were below average overall, but he still demonstrated solid peripherals. His expected on-base average (xwOBA) of .319 put him in line with an average MLB hitter, and his bat speed remained respectable, registering at 72.7 mph. He also exhibited impressive plate discipline, ranking in the 97th percentile for not chasing pitches outside the strike zone, swinging at only 18.7% of such offerings.
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Despite these positives, Pham's defensive metrics left something to be desired in 2024. He posted a -2 Outs Above Average and a -10 defensive runs saved rating, and his time in center field wasn't particularly encouraging either. However, Pham's versatility as an outfielder, capable of playing all three outfield positions, is a valuable asset. For the Pirates, this means they can slot him into one of the corner spots, where their biggest need lies. The Pirates have solid options in Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz in the outfield, but finding consistency in a corner outfield role has been a challenge. Their right fielders struggled with a low OPS of just .614 last season, which ranked 29th in the league.
Pham is expected to be a key part of the Pirates' outfield for the upcoming season. However, the team has other options on its 40-man roster, including Jack Suwinski and Joshua Palacios, who showed promise in 2023 but faced setbacks last year. Additionally, the Pirates made some acquisitions at the trade deadline in Nick Yorke and Billy Cook, with Cook being more natural in the outfield. Should any of these players step up, Pham could transition into a platoon or reserve role. But given his track record, Pham has proven he can still be an everyday player when needed, having played in 116 games last season despite not joining a Major League roster until late April.
This signing marks the fifth guaranteed Major League contract the Pirates have secured this offseason. Earlier moves included the re-signing of Andrew McCutchen, the addition of left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson, and the finalizing of deals for infielder Adam Frazier and reliever Tim Mayza. With this move, the Pirates are continuing to reshape their roster for the 2025 season, hoping that Pham’s experience and flexibility can help solidify their outfield and contribute to the team’s success. As the deal nears finalization, the Pirates will need to make a corresponding roster move to accommodate Pham's arrival.
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