Tommy Pham was among the unexpected contributors for the Arizona Diamondbacks in their surprising World Series run during the 2023 season.
The veteran outfielder was traded to the Diamondbacks at the deadline after a successful stint with the New York Mets. Pham settled for a one-year contract with the Mets in free agency last year after not having much of a market.
However, if Pham had it his way, he would have joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 35-year-old revealed that he had interest in signing with the team but was rejected twice by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
Pham said he has no ill will toward the Dodgers for passing on him, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
“I don’t have any hard feelings toward it,” Pham said. “I look at it like I need to play better. They don’t think I’m a fit, then so be it. I have no feelings.”
Pham hit a combined .256/.328/.446 with 27 doubles, 16 home runs, 68 RBI and 22 stolen in 129 games between the Mets and Diamondbacks this year. More so than his production on the field, Pham’s fiery demeanor gave the Diamondbacks an edge they previously had lacked.
Pham is now a free agent for the third consecutive offseason and should have many more suitors this time around. While Pham remains a fit for the Dodgers, he would likely get more playing time elsewhere.
The Dodgers entered the offseason with a need to address their corner outfield, which began by re-signing Jason Heyward and adding Manuel Margot in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mookie Betts & J.D. Martinez pushed for Dodgers to trade for Tommy Pham
Prior to being traded to the Diamondbacks, Pham said Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez urged the Dodgers front office to acquire him.
Pham 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.
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