Potential Padres Free Agent Target Tommy Pham Garnering Interest From AL Team

The San Diego Padres could lose out on their potential free agent target, outfielder Tommy Pham. According to New York Post baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Chicago White Sox have expressed interest in the veteran outfielder.

"The injury-depleted White Sox are taking a fresh look at Tommy Pham, who’s been hitting live pitching," Heyman wrote.

The Padres have expressed interest in Pham during the offseason, but the Friars never moved toward him for one reason or another. Other teams, like the Boston Red Sox, have also expressed interest in Pham.

If Pham somehow does return to San Diego, where he spent the 2020-21 season, he might be limited to a one-year deal. In the 2023 season, when he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets, the 26-year-old slashed .256/.328/.446 with a .774 OPS.

Pham would provide some familiarity for the Friars. However, given the White Sox's current situation, they may need Pham more than the Padres do.