Few players have experienced more trade deadline moves than Tommy Pham.
The seasoned outfielder has been traded within 48 hours of the deadline three different times. In 2018, the St. Louis Cardinals traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays. Four years later, the Cincinnati Reds sent him to the Boston Red Sox after he signed a one-year contract. Last season, the New York Mets traded him to the Arizona Diamondbacks after he signed a one-year deal.
Pham is likely to be traded again by this year’s July 30 deadline. This has become a common scenario for accomplished veterans who sign short-term deals with last-place teams.
“Getting traded in the middle of the season is one of the toughest things in baseball — probably in any sport,” Pham said. “Because you have to pack up all your stuff and leave, then readjust and reacclimate.”
This winter, after his best offensive season since 2019 and an unexpected World Series run with the Diamondbacks, Pham aimed to join a team with postseason aspirations. However, the only offer he received came from the Pittsburgh Pirates on February 25, without a trade bonus.
The San Diego Padres followed on the last day of February, offering a one-year contract for a reunion (Pham played there in 2020 and 2021). Pham found neither offer satisfactory, waiting until he signed with the White Sox on April 15. He debuted 11 days later, recording two hits and helping the White Sox improve to 4-22.
Pham, 35, debuted in the major leagues at 26 in 2014 and reached free agency in 2021 at 33. Since then, he has signed only one-year deals, as front offices are increasingly wary of giving veterans multiyear contracts to avoid overpaying for past performance.
Meanwhile, teams with low expectations have found value in signing veterans to one-year deals, aiming to trade them at the deadline for prospects. This strategy minimizes financial risk and offers potential rewards, such as accelerating a rebuild.
For instance, the Kansas City Royals signed veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal before the 2023 season. Chapman posted a 2.45 ERA in 31 appearances before being traded to the Texas Rangers for two players, including talented left-hander Cole Ragans. The Rangers won the World Series with Chapman, while Ragans was recently named an American League All-Star.
This approach is a dream for front offices trading for prospects. Here are some valuable veterans expected to be dealt this month:
Tommy Pham, OF, Chicago White Sox: Pham was Chicago’s best hitter in his first month, batting .327 with an .851 OPS in his first 27 games. Although he cooled off, he’s a respected clubhouse presence who can impact a playoff race. The White Sox should find a suitor in a year with high demand for offense.
Paul DeJong, SS, Chicago White Sox: DeJong, 30, signed for $1.75 million to rebound from a poor 2023 season. He’s posting a .237/.282/.456 slash line with 16 home runs, offering a shortstop with pop despite defensive struggles.
Erick Fedde, SP, Chicago White Sox: Fedde signed a two-year contract after a dominant season in Korea. He has registered a 3.13 ERA in 106⅓ innings over 18 starts, showcasing an expanded arsenal.
Jack Flaherty, SP, Detroit Tigers: Flaherty, another former Cardinal, has recaptured his All-Star form on a one-year, $14 million contract, with a 3.24 ERA in 89 innings over 15 outings.
Kevin Pillar, OF, Los Angeles Angels: Pillar, 35, signed a one-year deal with the White Sox before being designated for assignment. The Angels signed him, and he’s slashing .295/.350/.500 with six home runs in 43 games.
Jesse Winker, OF, Washington Nationals: Winker has been a revelation for the Nationals, batting .268 with 10 home runs and an .818 OPS in 88 games. He’s been moved to designated hitter following the promotion of top prospect James Wood.
Dylan Floro, RP, Washington Nationals: Floro has rebounded from a lackluster 2023 season with a 2.06 ERA, limiting opponents to two barrels on 125 batted balls.
Fringe Teams with Short-Term Veterans to Deal:
- New York Mets: Potential trade candidates include Luis Severino, Harrison Bader, J.D. Martinez, and Adam Ottavino.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Attractive trade candidates include Chapman and Martín Pérez.
- Texas Rangers: Possible bullpen assets include Kirby Yates and José Ureña.
- Toronto Blue Jays: Justin Turner, despite a decline, offers postseason experience and could draw interest.
The July 30 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and these veteran players could significantly impact playoff races and rebuilding efforts.