In 2018, the Rays traded for Tommy Pham and in 39 games he had a 1.071 OPS with Tampa Bay to end the season. Pham was a key part to the Ray's Wild Card team in 2019, when he hit 21 home runs and had a slash line of .273/.369/.450.
But it's the Rays and when a player gets a bit too expensive they just have to find a way to save some money. The Padres are trading for Pham, sending the Rays outfielder Hunter Renfroe and infield prospect Xavier Edwards.
Renfroe, 27, is obviously cheaper and younger, but at the same time he's not nearly as good as Pham. Renfroe does hit for a lot of power, hitting 85 home runs in the last three seasons. So, it's not like this was a total steal for the Padres and they're also sending a high-upside prospect.
Yet, the best player in the trade is Pham and it's not only because his overall skill set on offense and defense. His teammates in Tampa Bay loved his attitude.
And the best reaction to the trade was Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell. Snell was live on Twitch when he saw the news and everyone got to hear his honest reaction.
"We gave up Pham for Renfroe and a damn slap dick prospect?"
Absolutely hilarious. Can't wait for Blake to welcome Xavier to the Rays.
