3) Phillies trade target on the Mets: Tommy Pham
If the Phillies are going to think about trading for Mark Canha, they might as well make Tommy Pham a target, too. Pham is batting .277/.350/.485 through his first 234 plate appearances this year. His 9 home runs and 34 RBI have come as a pleasant surprise to a Mets team that expected him to be their fourth outfielder and occasional DH. Instead, he’s starting games for them all over the outfield and rarely finding a spot on the bench. In fact, he’s one of the main reasons why Canha is riding the pine more often.
Pham might not be quite as ideal for what the Phillies need and yet he seems as much of a “Philly guy” as anyone else they could possibly add at the trade deadline. Tough and tenacious, he’s a man who reads the fantasy football rule book and will take action against anyone who bends the rules.
Signed through only this season, Pham should be a popular trade piece and would cost more than Canha at this time. The smaller hit to the payroll plus the better overall year should have teams turning toward him first instead of Canha.
The Phillies can’t go wrong with either. It’s clear that depth is something the bench needs. Kyle Schwarber continues to roam somewhat aimlessly in left field. Finding a replacement is a necessity. Pham could be an answer for them.