Tommy Pham willing to play first base for Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have specific needs once the lockout ends. While they are looking to make their expected trades to pare down payroll and move on from larger salaries, they have also stated a desire to add more pop to the lineup. That includes adding a right handed hitting option at first base for the coming year.

It turns out that the Rays may have that option with an old friend. Tommy Pham has spent the majority of his professional career as an outfielder, excluding his time in the Appalachian League when he was a shortstop. However, he has said that he would be willing to play first if that meant a return to Tampa Bay.

Tommy Pham willing to play first for Tampa Bay Rays

Pham may be an intriguing option for the Rays as it is. They are reportedly looking to trade Kevin Kiermaier and Austin Meadows, leaving several openings in the outfield. Pham’s ability to play all three spots in the outfield while providing solid all around production would make him a perfect fit for a return.

He could also be a perfect fit from a cost aspect. Pham produced a pedestrian .229/.340/.383 batting line in his 561 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 24 doubles while stealing 14 bases. However, he still showed a solid batting eye and contact skills, drawing 78 walks while striking out just 128 times.

At the same time, the fact that Pham produced a 103 OPS+ is somewhat remarkable given what he went through that offseason. He had been stabbed in the lower back in October 2020, requiring surgery after the attack. It would make sense that he was not quite at his usual level of production last year.

This makes Pham a free agent to watch in Tampa Bay. He would likely be looking for a one year deal to prove himself once again, hoping to get one more larger payday before his career comes to an end. A second stint with the Rays could help him with that goal.

Tommy Pham is willing to spend time at first if that means a return to the Tampa Bay Rays. A reunion could be in order.