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Tommy Pham a perfect buy low option for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Jul 8, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Tommy Pham (28) hits an RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Tommy Pham (28) hits an RBI double against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s will need to find players to fill out their roster even if their expected fire sale does not take place. With a multitude of free agent departures, and limited payroll, the A’s will need to be creative in order to fill their roster. Tommy Pham could be a perfect option for the A’s to consider.

There was a time when Pham was a solid part of the Cardinals and Rays lineup. While he was never an All Star, he did finish 11th in the 2017 NL MVP vote. His blend of power and speed made him the type of player that any team would want in the lineup.

Oakland A’s could have bargain with Tommy Pham

That changed when Pham went to San Diego. He struggled in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, something that could be considered an anomaly. However, he was stabbed in the lower back that offseason, requiring surgery due to the wound.

While Pham was healthy for the 2021 season, it is fair to wonder if those injuries affected his performance. He posted a mediocre .229/.340/.383 batting line in his 561 plate appearances, hitting 24 doubles and 15 homers while stealing 14 bases. Pham still showed a solid eye at the plate with 78 walks, but his .280 batting average on balls in play was 43 points below his career norms.

Pham also has the defensive versatility that the A’s covet. He is capable of playing all three spots in the outfield which would allow Mark Kotsay to move him around as needed to maximize the production from his lineup. As Ramon Laureano is currently the only given in the outfield, and will miss another 20 games due to his PED suspension, having a player such as Pham could make a major difference.

It is entirely possible that Pham can have a bounceback season in 2022. He is likely looking at a one year contract to prove himself again, looking to cash in during the next offseason. If he can return to form, and be a solid all around player once again, he could be a bargain in free agency. That is exactly what the A’s need.

dark. Next. A's could look for more help behind the plate

The Oakland A’s need to find possible bargains in free agency this offseason. Tommy Pham would be the perfect fit even without a fire sale.