The Kansas City Royals have claimed outfielder Tommy Pham off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, who had designated him for assignment after acquiring him from the Chicago White Sox earlier this season. Pham, a veteran with a .698 OPS and seven home runs this season, is expected to add playoff experience to the Royals' roster as they compete for a Wild Card spot. The Cardinals' decision to release Pham aligns with their focus on developing top prospect Jordan Walker and addressing their roster needs for the future. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are exploring options to strengthen their starting rotation and bullpen, considering players like Walker Buehler and Drew Smyly. The Royals are also preparing for future seasons, potentially targeting free agents like Nathan Eovaldi to bolster their rotation. Both teams are making strategic moves as they aim to improve their chances in the upcoming seasons.