Tommy Pham Set to Join the Mets
The New York Mets are planning to promote veteran outfielder Tommy Pham, according to a report from Will Sammon of The Athletic. Pham, currently on a minor league deal, will need to be added to the 40-man roster before officially joining the team. This shouldn’t pose a significant challenge, as the Mets’ 40-man roster currently has space.
A Needed Addition to a Struggling Outfield
The 38-year-old veteran signed a non-roster contract with the Mets on Opening Day. He has seen limited action, appearing in just four games at the Single-A level. However, a combination of need at the major league level and Pham’s experience as a proven hitter have convinced the Mets to bring him up despite minimal game readiness.
This move comes at a crucial time, as the Mets outfield is currently dealing with the absence of star outfielder Juan Soto, who is sidelined with a calf strain expected to keep him out for at least another week or two. Without Soto, the Mets have been relying on rookie Carson Benge, infielder Brett Baty, and bench players like Tyrone Taylor and Jared Young to fill the outfield corners.
Performance of Current Outfielders
The current outfield configuration hasn’t inspired much confidence. While Young has shown some promise in a small sample size, he lacks extensive MLB experience. Taylor’s offensive numbers are underwhelming, and Benge, despite being a highly-touted prospect, is struggling to find his footing in the majors, hitting a mere .130/.231/.196. Baty, while showing improvement, is also underperforming with a high strikeout rate.
Pham’s Potential Impact
Pham brings a veteran presence and a reputation for hard work. Some fans may recall his previous comments about the Mets’ players, but many are hoping he can bring a much-needed spark to the team. The Mets are hoping Pham can provide stability and offensive production during Soto’s absence. The team needs outfield help, and Pham’s willingness to compete aligns with what the Mets are looking for.
The Mets are now hoping Pham will become a valuable part of the team – a true member of the “Pham-ily”.
Source: The Athletic
