The outfielder and the Phillies have finalized a league deal, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. The veteran most recently played for the Orioles. He has until July 25 to withdraw from the agreement, Castillo continues.
After three months, he is currently at his third team. Just before Opening Day, he signed a minor league contract with the Mets. In mid-April, the 38-year-old played for the major league team for two weeks. Before the end of the month, he was assigned after going 0-for-13. Midway in May, Pham signed a contract with the Orioles. After 16 games at Triple-A, he was released.
Baltimore didn’t appear to be able to give Pham a route to a roster place. Tyler O’Neill, a right-handed corner outfielder who fits the same description, hardly ever gets playing time with the Orioles. Pham has little chance of making it to the majors with the team. He now has roughly a month to figure out how to get onto Philadelphia’s roster. The Phillies, who have lost Johan Rojas for the season and Adolis Garcia for several months, have a lot clearer path.
Pham had a run as an above-average hitter as recently as 2024, but that was four teams ago (and those are only the MLB stints). With 297 plate appearances and a 104 wRC+, he started the season with the White Sox. In later appearances with the Cardinals and Royals to finish the season, the veteran underperformed. Last year, Pham gained semi-regular playing time with the Pirates. His OPS of.700 over 120 games was insufficient to secure a big-league contract during the offseason.
By acquiring Derek Hill in a minor trade with the White Sox, the Phillies have already taken action to strengthen their outfield. With two home runs in the ninth inning, including a game-winning one, and a batting percentage of.357, Hill has immediately won over his new team. According to reports, Philadelphia is considering trading for further outfield assistance.
Gabriel Rincones Jr., a prospect, has recently received most of the reps in right field. In his first taste of the major leagues, he is off to a rough start, going 4-for-30 in just nine games. Although Brandon Marsh is most effective in left field, the team has some flexibility in center and right field because to his expertise. Pham was worth five Defensive Runs Saved in left field last season, but he lacks the skills to play center field at this point in his career. On a team with a locked-in DH in Kyle Schwarber, the ability to play the field is crucial.
