Should the Dodgers Pursue Free Agent Outfielder Tommy Pham?

The Dodgers are looking to add another right-hand hitting outfielder to their already loaded roster. According to Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio, it’s not a question of “if” or even “when,” but “who.”

Veteran Tommy Pham isn’t the only right-handed outfielder that the team has been linked with, but he remains a solid option.

Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain broke down whether or not the Dodgers should be seriously going after Pham this offseason. You can watch the full breakdown on the Dodgers Nation YouTube Channel by clicking the video at the top of the article, or by clicking right here.

At age 36, Pham may not be as expensive for the Dodgers to secure as other potential players on the open market. With the team committing more than $1 billion to free agents this offseason, the front office might be looking for smaller deals to fill out the roster.

Mitigating concerns about his age, Pham is still a Statcast darling by virtue of his exit velocity and barrel rate. The Dodgers value these types of hitters; they reportedly had interest in Pham at the trade deadline.

McKain raised some concerns about whether or not Pham would be willing to accept a platoon assignment. He might prefer a situation that allows him to be more of an everyday outfielder, but the Dodgers have typically preferred to rotate guys in and out based on opponents’ pitchers.

Last season Pham split time between the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. With the Mets, Pham hit .268 with 10 home runs and 36 runs batted in over 79 games. In 50 regular-season games with Arizona, he saw his average dip to .241 with six home runs and 32 runs batted in.

However, Pham’s talents shone brightest in October. In 16 games, all as a designated hitter, Pham hit 279 with three home runs as Arizona marched all the way to the World Series.

Pham would be a good addition to the Dodgers, bringing more veteran experience to the table. His willingness to accept a short-term contract may give him an edge over other free agents in the eyes of the Dodgers’ front office, while still bringing a valuable addition to the team’s outfield in 2024.

Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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