Royals Reportedly Pursuing AL Central Rival Outfielder
The Royals announced themselves as buyers at this year’s MLB Trade Deadline after making a move to add Nationals reliever Hunter Harvey just before the MLB Draft.
Since they’ve already addressed their ailing bullpen, that means it’s time to turn focus toward an outfield that’s in need of a boost, and the White Sox may have the answer.
Kansas City reportedly has interest in adding White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham, but they’re not alone in their pursuit.
The Phillies and Royals have interest in trading for Tommy Pham, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/zBSvKpAkPH
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 17, 2024
Royals Zoning in on Pham as Deadline Nears
Per reports, the Phillies are also interested in pursuing Pham this month, which could turn a potential trade into a bidding war.
But Pham shouldn’t take too much to acquire.
He’s a 36-year-old outfielder who’s signed on a one-year contract, which means this would essentially be a rental for the remainder of this season.
That means Kansas City could add him AND keep their top-tier prospects, like Blake Mitchell, Blake Kudrna and Frank Mozzicato – regardless of other teams vying for Pham’s talents.
In the latest article on ESPN, David Schoenfield says a trade for Tommy Pham makes sense for the #Royals.
— Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) July 2, 2024
Couple factors:
- They’ve scouted him
- Rental player = Cheaper
- Slashed .260/.351/.347 from lead-off spot this year
- Played for Q/Hoover in ‘18-19. pic.twitter.com/yq9GVqGVXY
That’s an ideal situation for a Royals team that spent a lot prior to this season and has a lot of young talent under team control for several years.
Despite his age, Pham hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. He’s hitting .264 with a .339 on-base percentage and still has some power (15 extra-base hits) and speed (5 stolen bases) left in the tank.
His fielding, however, leaves a lot to be desired. He ranks in the 14th percentile in fielding range and the 6th percentile in arm strength.
But his position in the field isn’t much of a concern. He could play designated hitter and spell MJ Melendez in the outfield – using Melendez as a late-game defensive replacement when he returns from the injured list.
The Royals lack offensive production outside of their core hitters, and Pham could slot in nicely ahead of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Sal Perez.
Though Kansas City might not wind up with Pham, it’s encouraging to see that they’re exploring more trades even after making one just a few days ago.
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