Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mock Trade: Phillies Land Veteran Outfielder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies enter 2025 with legitimate aspirations of not only reaching the World Series but capturing their first championship since 2008. Under manager Rob Thomson’s reign, the Phillies have made the postseason every year, two NLCS appearances, and have won a pennant.

However, that elusive title still evades Bryce Harper and the rest of this core. Windows do not last forever and with many of those core players north of 30 years old, such as Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, Aaron Nola, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Harper, the time is now for Philadelphia to capitalize on its talent.

One potential midseason trade target for the Phillies could be Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham.

The 37-year-old is on a one-year, $4.025 million contract with the Pirates and should they perform according to expectations (miss the postseason), Pham could find himself as a hot commodity on the trading block.

Philadelphia fans probably have a sour last image of Pham as he was a key cog in the Arizona Diamondback’s incredible run to the Fall Classic in 2023, where they defeated the Phillies in seven games in the NLCS.

However, looking beyond previous heartbreak, Pham is a perfect fit for this iteration of Thomson’s team.

The current Philadelphia outfield includes one right-handed batter in Nick Castellanos and could use a smart, veteran bat like Pham to come off the bench or platoon against lefties in place of Max Kepler or Brandon Marsh.

Pham will not win many games with his defense, but a mature, professional approach at the plate and a solid decade’s worth of production should entice contenders. He is also searching for that first ring and would share the hungry attitude of the clubhouse.

Should Pham’s name pop up in trade talks, he will likely not draw a considerable return. A low-end prospect or two should do it for the seemingly eternal rebuilders in Pittsburgh.

Would you want to see Pham in a Phillies uniform, or is he another name passing through the wind?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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