One realistic remaining free agent at each position for the Pirates to pursue

The free agent market still has some realistic remaining options for the Pirates to pursue.

Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game One
Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game One | Brace Hemmelgarn/GettyImages
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Left Field - Tommy Pham

Tommy Pham had a poor 2022 season, where he had a wRC+ of just 90. But after signing with the Mets last off-season and getting traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks mid-season, Pham rebounded and is still searching for another team to sign with. He was solid last year but could be even better in 2024.

In 481 plate appearances, Pham batted .256/.328/.446 with a .332 wOBA and 116 wRC+. Pham provided both power and speed with 16 dingers, 27 doubles, a .190 ISO, and 22 stolen bases in 25 attempts. Pham has consistently posted above-average walk rates, and 2023 was no different, with a 9.8% walk rate. He also only struck out in 22% of his plate appearances.

But as I stated earlier, Pham could be even better next year. Pham had a .361 xwOBA, nearly 30 points higher than his wOBA. His 92.3 MPH exit velocity was in the top 93rd percentile of batters, while his 10.7% barrel rate ranked in the top 69th percentile. Pham also had an outstanding 49.1% hard hit rate and owned a .285 expected batting average.

Pham saw time at all three outfield positions, with left field being the one he played the most frequently. He was an average defensive outfielder with zero DRS and -1 OAA in 660 innings. Pham is still fast enough to play center field occasionally and was in the 70th percentile of arm strength with his throws averaging 87.5 MPH.

Pham is still a decent batter and would help the Pirate outfield. He can give them depth at all three outfield spots, which they could use. On top of that, he can provide them with some power, which is something else the line-up would benefit significantly from.

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