Former Padres Outfielder Linked to Friars Has Interest From Another NL Team: Report

There's another competitor in the race.

The San Diego Padres remain in the market for an outfielder following the Dylan Cease trade. One of the names they've been linked to this offseason is former Padres outfielder Tommy Pham.

Pham remains a free agent after a strong 2023 season between the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. 

A return to San Diego makes tons of sense, but they're reportedly not the only team interested in his services.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates are another team showing interest in Pham.

"The Padres and Pirates are among teams eying Tommy Pham."

Pham appeared in 129 games last year across the two teams, slashing .256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs and 68 runs batted in.

He was the three-hole hitter for Arizona in their surprise run to the World Series, and had a strong postseason, slashing .279/.297/.475 with three home runs. In his career, Pham has a postseason OPS of .846 in 31 games.

Pham can play all three outfield spots, although he's mainly a left fielder, which just so happens to be the spot the Padres need filled.

As of now, Jurickson Profar is likely the Opening Day left fielder, but he got injured in the team's final Cactus League game. His status for Opening Day on March 20 remains unclear.

Of course, Pham wouldn't even be able to make it in time for Korea if he was signed right now. But the need remains clear for the Friars as the regular season nears.