Padres Have Competition in Sweepstakes for Tommy Pham: Report

The San Diego Padres appear to be the favorites to sign free agent outfielder Tommy Pham, but they do have some competition brewing.

While the Padres and Pham have been talking, the Chicago White Sox reportedly have interest if the Padres and Pham are unable to get a deal done, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Earlier in the offseason, eight different teams were reportedly interested in acquiring Pham. As of right now, the White Sox appear to be the primary competition for the Padres.

As of right now, the Padres are looking at giving Pham a one-year deal worth around $3-4 million. 

The 36-year-old Pham previously played for San Diego from 2020-21, and has played in four teams over the last two years: the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He's already played for seven teams in his pro career.

Bringing back Pham could be key for the Padres, who lost significant outfield talent with Trent Grisham and Juan Soto departing this offseason. Though top prospect Jackson Merrill seized a starting outfield role in spring training, the Padres could still use more depth.

During the 2023 campaign, Pham hit .256 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs. Overall for his career, Pham has hit .259 and recorded 130 home runs and 431 RBIs.