For a free agent, the world is not easy. You may have taken less than what you had anticipated if you can’t pitch. Tommy Pham, a former outfielder for the New York Mets, has inked a contract to join the Chicago White Sox, the poorest team in Major League Baseball, from the National League pennant-winning Arizona Diamondbacks.
Furthermore, this isn’t just any sale. The 36-year-old Pham will formally have a split deal with a minor league team. He will have a chance to improve on the farm before the White Sox call him up to the big league team, just like J.D. Martinez did. He has until April 25 to opt out if he is not summoned back.
Even though he doesn’t feel completely ready, the White Sox could definitely use him already. Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, and Luis Robert are on the IL. They currently have a 2-14 record. They trail the awful Miami Marlins by a half game.
This week, an even more forgettable former Mets player was also signed to a deal.
In related news, Julio Teheran, a former Mets signing, has also inked a minor league contract. It so happens that he will also seek to represent Chicago. The distinction is that he intends to play for the Chicago Cubs on the North Side of the city.
A little over a week ago, after squandering his one and only opportunity with the Mets against the Atlanta Braves, the team immediately designated him for assignment. Although a little harsh, the short leash made a statement. If they have the option to discard a player, the Mets won’t put up with his being carried around.
It appears that a brief stay in Queens was beneficial. Jose Butto was called upon by New York, and he once again went six innings deep, giving them the victory late on Sunday. More valuable than a few subpar starts from Teheran is the flexibility the Mets have with Butto and his minor league options, as well as the chance to see just how terrific he can be.
Pham is anticipated to sign with the White Sox as soon as possible following what they hope would be a brief stay in the minor leagues. It’s incredible that someone who, in a part-time capacity, performed so admirably with the Mets the previous season and helped the Diamondbacks win the World Series would essentially turn into the carnival nerd. With one notable exception—if Pham does well, he may position himself as an uncommon way-too-early trade candidate—this feels a lot like the plot of Nightmare Alley. If the White Sox decide to trade him, he will receive an extra $500,000. Why wouldn’t they?
We already know what happens to Teheran. When the Cubs play the Mets at Citi Field on April 29, he will be ready. The video tribute to him will be unique.