Thu Feb 06 14:10:00 UTC 2025: **Pirates Sign Veteran Outfielder Tommy Pham to One-Year Deal**
**Pittsburgh, PA –** The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with veteran outfielder Tommy Pham, the team announced Tuesday. The deal includes an additional $250,000 in potential incentives. Pham, 36, will be entering his 12th MLB season and his tenth team after stints with the White Sox, Royals, and Cardinals in 2024.
Pham’s career has been marked by a series of one-year contracts, often leading to mid-season trades. While he enjoyed brief periods of strong performance last season, including a memorable grand slam upon rejoining the Cardinals, his overall numbers were slightly below league average (.248/.305/.368). Over the past four seasons, his offensive production has been largely consistent with league averages.
The Pirates, currently at a full 40-man roster, will need to make a corresponding roster move to accommodate Pham. He is expected to fill a corner outfield role, potentially platooning with either Joshua Palacios or Jack Suwinski, both of whom struggled against left-handed pitching in 2024.
The signing reflects the Pirates’ traditionally cautious approach to free agency under owner Bob Nutting, who has historically avoided large, multi-year deals. This one-year contract is in line with the team’s recent strategy of focusing on shorter-term, cost-effective additions. General Manager Ben Cherington has yet to sign a free agent to a multi-year contract during his tenure.
While some fans expressed mixed reactions to the signing on social media, with some questioning the financial commitment and others seeing it as a low-risk, potentially beneficial addition, the move solidifies the Pirates’ outfield depth heading into the 2025 season. Pham’s experience and occasional flashes of power could prove valuable as the team continues its rebuilding process.
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