White Sox Acquire Veteran Outfielders Tommy Pham and Jake Cave

Roster Additions After the Deadline

Both players were permitted to be traded following the August 3 trade deadline because neither was on a major league 40-man roster, according to MLB.com. Because they joined the organization prior to the September 1 roster expansion, both Pham and Cave are eligible for the postseason, as detailed by the Associated Press. Pham is expected to join the club in Houston, according to MLB.com. The White Sox brought in Pham to address specific tactical needs against left-handed pitching. As you look at it broadly, our need for a right-handed bat versus left-handed pitching is something that we’re really excited about, manager Will Venable said, according to the Associated Press. And then the human being, the teammate, the edge that he brings, kind of who he is as a total player, I think he’s going to make a real big impact here.

Familiar Faces Return to the South Siders

For Pham, the move marks a return to Chicago. The 38-year-old outfielder previously played for the White Sox during the 2024 season before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 29, 2024, in a three-team deal that brought All-Star third baseman Miguel Vargas to Chicago, as reported by MLB.com. During his 2024 stint with the White Sox, Pham slashed .266/.330/.380 with five home runs and 19 RBIs across 70 games. I enjoyed playing with him. I’m looking forward to seeing him, designated hitter Andrew Benintendi told MLB.com regarding Pham’s return. Brings it every single day, is passionate about winning. Yeah, I think he’ll be a good addition. Pham began the 2025 season with the New York Mets before being designated for assignment following an 0-for-13 start with seven strikeouts, according to MLB.com. He subsequently spent time in the minor league systems of the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies, where he batted .250 with three homers and 25 RBIs in 44 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to the Associated Press. Over 13 major league seasons, Pham carries a career .256 batting average with 149 home runs and 522 RBIs.

Jake Cave Joins Outfield Mix

The White Sox also added 33-year-old outfielder Jake Cave from the Rays for cash considerations, according to the Associated Press. Cave started the 2025 campaign playing for El Águila de Veracruz in the Mexican League before signing a minor league deal with Tampa Bay in June, where he batted .245 with an .711 OPS in 36 games for Triple-A Durham, according to MLB.com. Cave owns a career .251 batting average with 45 home runs and 176 RBIs across seven major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, and Colorado Rockies, according to MLB.com and the Associated Press. He’s another guy that’s got a ton of experience that we’re excited to add to the organization, Venable said of Cave, according to the Associated Press.