Could the Padres Reunite With This Free Agent Outfielder?

San Diego still could use another outfield bat.

The San Diego Padres are entering a critical year after missing the postseason in 2023. The front office prioritized shedding salary this offseason, which has caused them to lose multiple quality players in free agency.

The roster still has talent, but they are limited in the number of outfielders on the roster. After trading away star Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees, San Diego is still searching for another outfield bat.

The Athletic's Dennis Lin believes that it could come in the form of ex-Padres outfielder Tommy Pham. Pham remains on the open market and could provide the Padres with exactly what they have been searching for.

"I still think there’s a decent chance of a reunion. Pham has a good relationship with president of baseball operations A.J. Preller and Mike Shildt, who managed Pham in the St. Louis Cardinals’ system."

Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic

Pham likely wouldn't be too expensive of an addition for the Padres, keeping with the cost-effective sentiment of the team. He would bring another veteran presence to the mix and could help teach some of the younger players in the clubhouse. 

Last season splitting time between the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks, Pham hit .256 with 16 home runs and 58 runs batted in. He was a crucial piece to Arizona reaching the World Series and could provide a spark against right-handed hitting for San Diego.

"Padres officials believe Pham, with his obsessive work ethic, also would bring intangible value to a clubhouse that likely will include Merrill and other young players."

Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic

The veteran outfielder was with the Padres organization in 2020 and 2021. It would be a nice reunion between the two sides, and one that could have plenty of positive benefits that come out of it.

Pham did have a verbal altercation with a few Padres fans last year, but that would be unlikely to prevent him from re-signing with San Diego.