The Chicago Cubs are entering 2024 with hopes of making it to the postseason for the first time since 2020. The slow-moving free-agent market might give them one last chance to strengthen the team before Opening Day. Should president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer pursue veteran outfielder Tommy Pham?
Jon Conahan of Sports Illustrated’s FanNation believes Chicago should attempt a late deal for the right-handed hitter. “The need for Pham is clear, especially with the goals that Chicago has for this year. With the playoffs as their target, they don’t want to regret not doing more during the offseason.
“Suppose Cody Bellinger has a worse season than 2023, Seiya Suzuki doesn’t perform as well as he did in the second half of last year, and others don’t step up. If that happens, this offense won’t be as strong as it needs to be to achieve the organization's hopes.”
Pham split the 2023 season with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. He batted .256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs, 68 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 22 steals in 481 plate appearances. Pham also took part in 16 postseason games for Arizona, resulting in a .772 OPS and three home runs.
Spotrac has estimated Pham’s market value at $8.3 million. However, with Opening Day approaching, any team that signs him will likely pay him less.
How Would Tommy Pham Benefit the Cubs?
Adding Pham to the Cubs would strengthen their offensive mix, as Conahan explained. If some of Chicago’s expected contributors have a decline in performance — like Bellinger or Christopher Morel — Pham serves as a safety net.
Suppose Michael Busch continues to struggle at the big-league level and manager Craig Counsell decides to move Bellinger into a regular role at first base. Pham could then offer another capable bat. He has played all three outfield positions in recent years.
Conahan pointed out that Chicago’s management seems to have confidence in the current roster. That's likely why the Cubs didn't seriously pursue slugger J.D. Martinez as he remained available. Nevertheless, adding Pham probably wouldn't cost much and would only enhance the Cubs’ chances of contending for a postseason spot.
Who Else Is Actively Seeking the Outfielder?
Although Pham has been a free agent all winter, there has been considerable interest in him. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on March 17 that up to eight MLB teams have been in contact with the 10-year veteran throughout the winter.
The San Diego Padres have recently been negotiating with Pham and aim to sign him to a deal in the $3-4 million range. San Diego’s main competition for the outfielder is the Chicago White Sox, per Nightengale.
Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA predictions expect the Cubs to finish second behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2024 National League Central race. They also forecast an 81.5-win projection and 37.6% odds of reaching the playoffs. Adding another experienced hitter like Pham with recent postseason experience would be a positive move. However, it appears likely that the outfielder will end up with another team at the beginning of the year.
