Red Sox likely to decline Tommy Pham’s 2023 mutual option
While Tommy Pham’s mutual option for 2023 was originally listed as $6M, it’s now been reported by MassLive and the Boston Globe to be $12M.
It wasn’t hard to see the Sox opting into their side of this option for $6M, but $12M is far too much for a soon-to-be 35-year-old outfielder who just had a rough season. Over 53 games with the Sox, after they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds at the deadline, Pham only hit .234/.298/.374. His on-base percentage dropped significantly after the trade, though he had more doubles in fewer games.
Pham seems to be a great fit for the team, and has expressed interest in returning next year. It’s not hard to see the Sox negotiating a different deal with him, perhaps something in the ballpark of $6M with an option for 2024.
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