Kansas City Royals mock trade puts together ideal package in power move for clutch Twins superstar…
The Royals are dead last in offensive production from the outfielders, who have collectively hit .210/.270/.345 this year. J.J. Picollo recently talked about lengthening his lineup with another bat, and according to reporter Jon Heyman, White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham is a name they are considering.
The 36-year-old has been a career .260/.351/.433 hitter in 11 big leagues seasons. Last year he hit .256/.328/.446, and was acquired mid-season by the Diamondbacks, who went to the World Series. Despite that, he found it difficult to get contract offers this past off-season, and signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with incentives with the White Sox after the season began. In 39 games with Chicago, he’s hitting .276./349/.388 with three home runs.
Pham has generally been a good on-base hitter, something Picollo has said he is looking for. He has a career walk rate of 11.5 percent, although that has fallen to about 9.5 percent in the last three seasons. He has 15-20 home run power, and even stole 22 bases last year in 25 attempts. He is probably stretched in centerfield, but he provides solid defense in the corners.
Pham received notoriety for slapping outfielder Joc Pederson during batting practice in a dispute over a fantasy football league the two players participated in, leading to a three-game suspension. Fans have accused him of being a clubhouse cancer, but many former teammates have praised Pham for his intensity and clubhouse demeanor, as has Buck Showalter, who managed him with the Mets.
