Mets, Tommy Pham Agree To Minor League Deal The New York Mets and veteran outfielder Tommy Pham have reached an agreement on a minor league contract, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. The deal, which marks Pham’s second stint with the team, includes a prorated $2.25 million bonus if he is selected for the major league roster and an opt-out clause set for April 25, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Pham could also earn an additional $850,000 in performance-based incentives, Castillo noted. Pham, 38, spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a slightly below-average .245/.330/.370 batting line (95 wRC+). However, his second-half performance was more encouraging, as he hit .278/.363/.468 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, a triple, an 11.7% walk rate, and a 17.2% strikeout rate over his final 273 plate appearances. His strong finish in June helped offset a slow start to the season. Pham previously joined the Mets in 2023, signing a one-year free-agent deal. He contributed 264 plate appearances with the team, hitting .268/.348/.472 before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a midseason deal. The swap sent teenage infielder Jeremy Rodriguez to the Mets. Now returning to New York, Pham aims to work his way up through Triple-A in hopes of securing a spot on the big league roster. The Mets’ Opening Day roster features top prospect Carson Benge as their starting right fielder, but the club is preparing for potential setbacks. Mike Tauchman, a key bench option, is sidelined due to a meniscus tear requiring surgery at the end of spring training. Pham provides the Mets with a veteran alternative if Benge struggles against major league pitching early in the season. His right-handed bat also complements Benge’s left-handed approach, as Pham has a career .261/.368/.#new_york_mets #pittsburgh_pirates #carson_benge #tommy_pham #arizona_diamondbacks
Mets sign long-time veteran to deal on Opening Day The Major League Baseball season is finally here, and the New York Mets begin their quest for a World Series title in 2026 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The matchup kicks off with Freddy Peralta and the Mets facing Paul Skenes and the Pirates. With the new-look Mets roster, there is plenty of optimism for this season, even against a pitcher as dominant as Skenes. Before their season opener, the Mets are set to sign former Pirates outfielder and longtime MLB veteran Tommy Pham to a free agent contract, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. The deal, a minor-league agreement, marks Pham’s return to the Mets after a brief stint with the team in 2023. Pham, 38, has spent the last 12 years in the majors since his 2014 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Last season, he played 120 games for the Pirates, posting a 1.0 bWAR, .245 batting average, and .700 OPS. His previous time with the Mets in 2023 saw him record an .820 OPS in 79 games. Now back with the Mets, Pham will work out in the minor leagues as he awaits a chance to return to the majors. With Luis Robert Jr., Carson Benge, and Juan Soto forming the outfield, securing a roster spot would require an injury or a significant slump from Benge or Robert. However, Pham remains a valuable bench option or potential spot starter if needed. The Mets’ decision to sign Pham adds depth to their roster as they aim to build on their recent improvements. His experience and track record could provide a reliable presence in the lineup, especially during high-stakes games. Meanwhile, other developments across MLB include Hunter Greene’s injury setback with the Reds, Roki Sasaki’s return to the Dodgers’ rotation, and updates on several other teams’ rosters.#new_york_mets #pittsburgh_pirates #mlb_season_2026 #tommy_pham #jorge_castillo
Tommy Pham, Mets Agree to Minor League Deal The New York Mets have signed veteran outfielder Tommy Pham to a Minor League deal, adding experienced depth to their roster, according to a source shared with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The team has not officially confirmed the agreement. Pham’s contract with the Mets includes a $2.5 million guarantee if he reaches the Major Leagues, with potential additional incentives pushing the total to $3.1 million. The deal also features an opt-out clause set for April 25. Pham is expected to contribute as a reliable outfield option following the injury of Mike Tauchman, who tore his meniscus in his left knee during Spring Training. The 38-year-old outfielder previously spent 79 games with the Mets in 2023, posting an .820 OPS with 10 home runs before being traded to Arizona in July. Despite his age and recent performance, Pham remains a viable addition. In 2025, he hit .245/.330/.370 with 10 home runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, advanced metrics suggest he may have been slightly unlucky. His expected batting average was 13 points higher, and his expected slugging percentage was 40 points higher than his actual output. Pham’s hard-hit rate of 47.2% ranked in the 76th percentile among qualified hitters, a significant improvement from his 42.7% rate in 2024. His plate discipline also showed progress, with a 19.9% chase rate in the top 5% of the game, a 20.9% strikeout rate (his lowest since 2019), and an 11.1% walk rate (81st percentile), his highest since 2021. Defensively, Pham’s range in the outfield was below average, with a -3 Outs Above Average rating from Statcast. However, he contributed +5 defensive runs saved in left field for Pittsburgh. Pham’s postseason experience adds value to his profile. In 37 career playoff games, he has a .315/.331/.#new_york_mets #tommy_pham #mlb_com #statcast #american_league_division_series
