Among the league's obvious outfield trade targets is current Chicago White Sox Tommy Pham. With Atlanta's desperation to find improved outfield offensive production attaching Pham as a possible target. The outfielder has been one of the few pieces that has worked well for Chicago. Cashing in on the veteran's success, the White Sox will be moving on from the veteran.
Looking purely at the statistical fit, Pham makes complete sense for Atlanta. The veteran has put up solid numbers and continually finds ways to get on base. Despite hitting right-handed, the veteran hits pitchers from both sides at an almost equal clip.
This would allow you to start Kelenic and Harris platooning Pham. Adding the outfielder isn't going to improve your power production but offers a bottom-of-the-lineup bat that consistently gets on base. However, the fit might not be as seamless as it appears when you consider Pham's reputation.
Tommy Pham's history in this league is reason for hesitancy despite Atlanta's need
Let's start with a story that many Braves fans will be familiar with based on who it involved. Tommy Pham slapped Joc Pederson based on a fantasy football dispute. The outfielder not only slapped Pederson but went on to stand behind the move and explain it away rather unbothered. To call this behavior alarming is an understatement.
Pham's loud and outspoken nature isn't relegated to fantasy football with the veteran calling out his Mets teammates last season. It is this edge and attitude that can make or break a clubhouse.
The veteran's reputation around the league is well-known and has had varying degrees of coverage. Bringing Pham into Atlanta in what seems to be a very united clubhouse is a very real concern. Yes, the Braves have lacked an edge in each of the past two postseasons.
Pham was HEATED after being thrown out at the plate pic.twitter.com/wooYjRCHqg
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) June 2, 2024
Needing a Josh Donaldson or Joc Pederson to light a fire and provide a level of swagger. Perhaps this is the energy that Pham would prove to bring. Maybe the veteran truly has had his worst moments highlighted and shown in the wrong light.
Regardless it isn't a risk the Braves should take unless they are absolutely sure of the answer. This is an Atlanta clubhouse that seems to truly thrive and have love for one another. The ridiculous but lovable Snitbear serves as the perfect example of this.
Atlanta adding Tommy Pham is only an option if they are beyond sure Pham's past problems won't follow the veteran to Atlanta. Anything less and Atlanta is better off riding with their current group. Even with lesser production a group that believes in their potential and each other is far better than improving it with a player who offsets your chemistry.