Yes, it’s really happening. The 96-win Rays are trading their top player on offense to the San Diego Padres.
The deal sending Tommy Pham from the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Diego Padres is done, sources tell ESPN. Outfielder Hunter Renfroe and middle-infield prospect Xavier Edwards head back to the Rays. Padres will get another minor leaguer.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2019
At first blush this is disorienting, and then a bit demoralizing.
Tommy Pham is “expensive” as far as Rays players go, due to see his arbitration numbers pay the player at least $20 million in the next two seasons, but he is also the best hitter on a team with a payroll currently around $60 million.