In search of a right-handed hitter at this year’s MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately addressed their need with the acquisitions of Kiké Hernández and Amed Rosario.
Among other notable right-handed bats moved at the deadline was Tommy Pham, who was traded from the New York Mets to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran outfielder was in the midst of a strong season at the time of the deal and continued having success with his new team.
Pham hit .241/.304/.415 with 12 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 32 RBI and 11 stolen bases across 50 games for the Diamondbacks. More so than his production on the field, the 35-year-old brought a fiery edge that was key to the team’s surprising World Series run.
While speaking to reporters during a recent World Series media day, Pham said Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez urged the Dodgers to acquire him at the trade deadline, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
Knowing Pham was available, Dodgers teammates Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez vouched for him, according to Pham.
Pham also revealed that he had interest in joining the Dodgers as a free agent last offseason, but was rejected twice by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
Pham had the last laugh as he batted .429/.429/.643 with one home run and four runs scored over 14 at-bats in the Diamondbacks’ National League Division Series sweep of the Dodgers.
Could the Dodgers sign Tommy Pham?
After passing on multiple opportunities to add Pham throughout 2023, the Dodgers will get another chance to sign him this offseason as he was among the players who reached free agency following the conclusion of the season.
Pham would fill the need for a corner outfield bat and had an elite batted ball profile during the year, which could both be of interest to the Dodgers. While Martinez is now a free agent, Betts could still push for the Dodgers to bring Pham in.
It could also be beneficial to the club to add his personality to the mix. The Dodgers have bigger plans with their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani and starting pitching, but Pham should be on their radar.
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