The Buccos have found their corner fielder.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have seemingly found their right-fielder for 2025 with the signing of Tommy Pham for $4 million.
Finding another corner outfielder has been a major need for the Buccos all off-season, after they parted ways with Connor Joe and Bryan De La Cruz back in November. Pham played in 116 games last season between the Minors and time spent with the White Sox, Cardinals, and Royals so he at the very least has proven that he still has the ability to play a large chunk of the season after 11 years in Major League Baseball.
Pirates, OF Tommy Pham reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39’s Mark Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/gDaVCaOl0E
— MLB (@MLB) February 6, 2025
That being said, he is by no means a long-term answer to this problem the team has with filling the void in the corner outfield. Even still though he should be able to be serviceable until a clear candidate does emerge. Obviously, Jack Suwinski and Joshua Palacios remain with the team but have been largely inconsistent and have not proven to have the ability to be everyday starters. At this point, Pham is the best option that the Pirates have, but he is just patch over a much larger problem.
Pham was drafted by the Cardinals in the 16th round of the 2006 amateur draft, and was called up to the Majors for the first time in 2014. Following his first stint with St. Louis, Pham has bounced around the league, playing for seven teams over the past three seasons. Even still though he has above average plate vision and decent bat speed and finished 2024 with a line of .248/.305/.368.