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Mets Interested In Tommy Pham

By Darragh McDonald | January 13, 2023 at 3:18pm CDT

The Mets’ search for a right-handed hitting outfielder continues. They were connected earlier this week to Andrew McCutchen, though he agreed to terms with the Pirates earlier today. The Mets have also had reported interest in Adam Duvall and Trey Mancini, but Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports that Tommy Pham is another name they are now considering.

Pham, 35, was drafted by the Cardinals in 2006 but didn’t truly breakout as a major leaguer until over a decade later. In 2017, when Pham was 29, he hit 23 home runs and stole 25 bases. He also drew walks at a healthy 13.4% clip, leading to an overall batting line of .306/.411/.520. That production was 49% better than league average by measure of wRC+ and Pham was worth 6.3 wins above replacement that year, in the eyes of FanGraphs.

Pham would continue putting up really good numbers for a few more years with the Cardinals and Rays, but there’s been dip over the past few seasons. He was with the Padres for 2020 and 2021 but hit just .226/.335/.370 over those seasons for a wRC+ of 98, indicating he was 2% below league average. He reached free agency and signed with the Reds for 2022, later going to the Red Sox in a deadline deal. He finished the year with a combined batting line of .236/.312/.374 between the two clubs, good enough for a wRC+ of 89. His walk rate, which was in the 13% range for much of his prime, slipped to 9%. Most fans probably remember his fantasy football-related slap of Joc Pederson more than anything Pham did in a game last year.

Despite those recent struggles, there could be a case for Pham to carve out a part-time role on a strong Mets’ roster. The regular outfield is already set, with Brandon Nimmo, Mark Canha and Starling Marte in the three full-time jobs. The left-handed swinging Daniel Vogelbach seems to be lined up to get the bulk of the time at designated hitter, with the right-handed Darin Ruf on hand to potentially serve as a fourth outfielder and spell Vogelbach against lefties. However, Ruf hit just .152/.216/.197 after coming over to the Mets in a trade with the Giants last year, and the club probably wants to find another option that gives them some more confidence.

Pham has hit lefties better in his career, producing a 132 wRC+ against them but a 110 against righties. That still carried into 2022, as he limped to an 81 wRC+ against righties but produced a 115 figure versus southpaws. Though he’s no longer a threat to steal 25 bases, he did swipe eight last year. Statcast also thinks the tools are still in there, with Pham ranking in the 93rd percentile in terms of exit velocity, 86th in maximum exit velocity, 89th in hard hit rate, 74th in arm strength and 66th in sprint speed.

It seems as though the Mets are focused on adding a right-handed hitting outfielder as their next move, having been connected to McCutchen, Duvall, Mancini and Pham in recent days. The free agent market also features Brian Anderson as well as switch-hitters Robbie Grossman and Jurickson Profar.

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New York Mets Tommy Pham

Dodgers, Julio Urias Avoid Arbitration
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Giants Notes: Correa, Wade, Belt, Jackson
View Comments (68)
Post a Comment

68 Comments

  1. LordD99

    2 years ago

    The day wouldn’t be complete without a “Mets are interested” post.

    32
    Reply
    • joeyrocafella

      2 years ago

      You don’t have to click on them. Sorry that your team isn’t active

      7
      Reply
      • Jesse Chavez enthusiast

        2 years ago

        He wasn’t complaining dude way to be a an ass

        17
        Reply
      • LosPobres1904

        2 years ago

        Shame…shame on you

        1
        Reply
      • stymeedone

        2 years ago

        @joeyroc
        The complaint is that YOUR team isn’t active at the moment, either, but it’s getting coverage anyway. Cleveland, Detroit, Arizona, hell, every team, is “interested” in adding somebody. Where are those articles?
        That’s right, I forgot how needy New York fans are. Gotta be something daily or they feel forgotten.

        2
        Reply
      • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

        2 years ago

        Mets should start to be embarrassed, anyone with a pulse is potentially a Met.

        Reply
      • DTD/ATL1313

        2 years ago

        We found the guy with the victim mentality

        2
        Reply
      • LordD99

        2 years ago

        @Joey, cut back on that 10th cup of coffee. It wasn’t a complaint, just a slightly humorous observation.

        5
        Reply
      • Clepto_

        2 years ago

        Joey: loser comment of the day. Congratulations.

        3
        Reply
    • Mac Attack

      2 years ago

      Agreed. It’s becoming ridiculous.

      Reply
  2. metgiantfan

    2 years ago

    Phew! Pham will completely lessen the blow of not signing CC.

    2
    Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      2 years ago

      met – Perhaps Uncle Steve is an owner of Sapphire? That would make a Pham signing a win-win.

      3
      Reply
      • Gwynning

        2 years ago

        “Nevermind the paycheck, Stevie… can I just get table credits and bottle service?”

        3
        Reply
    • Goku the All Knowing

      2 years ago

      add McCutchen to the list

      1
      Reply
  3. Old York

    2 years ago

    Oh no!

    3
    Reply
  4. RunDMC

    2 years ago

    NYM interested in a 35 y/o since a 36 y/o is no longer available.

    Step in the right direction for Los Viejos Mets.

    3
    Reply
    • Old York

      2 years ago

      Don’t worry. Eventually, Cohen will learn that having a team of elderly doesn’t always work out.

      2
      Reply
      • rememberthecoop

        2 years ago

        Says “Old” York…

        2
        Reply
  5. StudWinfield

    2 years ago

    If Cohen can secure VIP passes for the local strip clubs then they have a good shot at signing him.

    5
    Reply
    • SanDiegoSuperDissapointingPadres

      2 years ago

      And security! Homie got stabbed while here in San Diego outside the Strip Club.

      Also, don’t let ole boy set up y’all’s fantasy team. He takes that ish super serious!

      1
      Reply
  6. This one belongs to the Reds

    2 years ago

    They must need someone in case Joc Pederson gets out of hand.

    7
    Reply
  7. fried-man

    2 years ago

    Not sure he’d add to an already pretty solid Mets clubhouse culture ‍♂️

    5
    Reply
    • FunkinAye

      2 years ago

      The Mets are putting the “old” in solid.

      1
      Reply
  8. VegasSDfan

    2 years ago

    Pham, how to describe him? Not a good outfielder, hits below average, strikes out, has a weird attitude, with a little power.

    7
    Reply
    • DrDan75

      2 years ago

      And I heard he has a gambling problem. At 35, he doesn’t have a ton of seven figure payday years ahead of him.

      Reply
    • DrDan75

      2 years ago

      Tom Tom Tom Tom Tommy Pham
      Tom Tom Tom Tom Tommy Pham

      Oh Tommy Pham.., were ya gonna land?
      Tommy Pham
      What the hell ya doin’ to get ‘em hissing and a-booing Tommy Pham?

      Reply
      • DogDays2

        2 years ago

        Good, but it’s missing a guitar solo

        Reply
  9. DonnieMoore

    2 years ago

    Who AREN’T the Mets interested in?

    6
    Reply
    • rct

      2 years ago

      Me. I checked with my agent and he said no calls from the Mets.

      12
      Reply
      • BuyBuyMets

        2 years ago

        rct
        No call back from Mets since you took that physical? Don’t worry, the Twins will be in touch soon.

        2
        Reply
  10. angt222

    2 years ago

    Don’t bring this headache to NY.

    12
    Reply
    • This one belongs to the Reds

      2 years ago

      NY has enough headaches though some left town.

      Reply
  11. Polarbear99

    2 years ago

    Mets interested in anybody that can pass a physical now lol

    5
    Reply
    • solaris602

      2 years ago

      Actually that’s not even the case. Remember about a month ago when they signed Abraham Almonte to a minors deal after he failed his physical with a KBO team?

      1
      Reply
      • phenomenalajs

        2 years ago

        Well, Almonte’s not on the 40-man, but Mendick is and I believe he’s recovering from an ACL injury. So, they’re not averse to doing it, but they’re not willing to go twelve years on the deal either

        1
        Reply
  12. MPrck

    2 years ago

    Well, another player who would have been the best on the Tigers last season. Thank god the Tigers have the D.F.A. wire to get players from.

    2
    Reply
  13. 10centBeerNight

    2 years ago

    To quote one of the scout meeting bros in Moneyball “Billy – not a good idea”

    3
    Reply
  14. joeyrocafella

    2 years ago

    No thanks!!

    5
    Reply
    • Clepto_

      2 years ago

      Profound.

      Reply
  15. top jimmy

    2 years ago

    Why?

    2
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      2 years ago

      Mets have disappointed and whiffed on everyone so far in 2023. Time for Steve to break his new year resolution and sign everybody again.

      Reply
      • phenomenalajs

        2 years ago

        ??? I smell the hate but outside of Correa, to take a phrase from Larry David, I’d say the off-season moves have been: “Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good!”

        3
        Reply
        • YankeesBleacherCreature

          2 years ago

          Ain’t got time for hate. Pretty good ’22 though.

          1
          Reply
      • mumsy01

        2 years ago

        Yanks have their own Tommy Pham. $10Mil per year for Aaron Hicks. LMAO.

        Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      2 years ago

      Actually I really want him for the Yankees.

      Aaron Hicks fails to play the ball properly and Pham can march right out there and slap him in the face. Donaldson bat flips on another single to the OF – slap him in the face. IKF bobbles another routine grounder at SS – slap him, Pham! Boone screws up a lineup or a bullpen call? Send ol’ Tommy down to slap him sideways. Torres doesn’t hustle down to first? You guessed it, smack him backhanded.

      As you can see, Pham has a lot of utility. He’s developed a niche for himself.

      3
      Reply
  16. settledownitsjustagame

    2 years ago

    Mets interested with anyone with a pulse.

    1
    Reply
  17. Robrock30

    2 years ago

    Lol Mets. He will add to the sideshow with his good character.
    (Joc Pederson laughs)

    3
    Reply
    • Robrock30

      2 years ago

      Surprised the Mets didn’t show interest in Bauer and it would be funny if he lands instead with the Braves or Phillies.

      1
      Reply
      • SanDiegoSuperDissapointingPadres

        2 years ago

        Bauer and Pham on the same 40 man…I just want to watch that mess go down for the first few weeks of the season.

        Hey, you’re a freak…I’m a freak, let’s boogie! Then about a week later they’re in a knife fight in the parking lot and hugging it out afterwards. Pretty much status quo for the rest of the season.

        3
        Reply
  18. pinstripes17

    2 years ago

    Pham would be a perfect LolMets signing, what an absolute headcase.

    4
    Reply
  19. solaris602

    2 years ago

    And Jurickson Profar still hasn’t moved past the speculation phase by MLBTR as to where he might fit best. He must have a way too high asking price. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think he’s ACTUALLY engaged with any club this winter.

    1
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 years ago

      He thinks he’s worthy of a full time job, and so far every GM has said “I can do better!”

      2
      Reply
    • VegasSDfan

      2 years ago

      The same reason he opted out of his contact with the Padres, at this point that looks like it was a mistake

      2
      Reply
  20. Ma4170

    2 years ago

    If they’re going to waste money on best days behind them vets, just to trade for Donaldson. They’re practically giving him away. I don’t understand these latest speculations w the Mets.

    Reply
    • Canosucks

      2 years ago

      Easy to understand if you watched Eppler and the Angels.
      Or Eppler and Darin Duff and Lowly Rodriguez moves

      1
      Reply
  21. phenomenalajs

    2 years ago

    I gather Will Smith was taken. LOL! Seriously, at this point, the best option may be internal since no one they sign now will be part of the long term plans. We know Ohtani will be the brass ring in free agency next year and I expect Uncle Steve to be all over it along with Billy Eppler who brought him to the Angels. I think Ruf will be given Spring Training and, possibly, the early part of the season to show if he’s what the Mets thought they were getting when they made that trade. Alvarez and Vientos could get the chance to compete with him for the spot if they’re brought up on Opening Day.

    2
    Reply
    • Samuel

      2 years ago

      phenomenalajs;

      The 2023 season hasn’t even started and you guys seem to write about the Mets signing Ohtani multiple times every day.

      The Angels, Dodgers, and Padres will all go after him. And the money they’ll offer will start @ $450m, else it’s a waste of everyone’s time. Ohtani’s people will use the Mets like the Yankees used the Giants with Judge – to run up and justify the amount they’ll pay him. He lives in a warm area that’s 2,000-plus miles less of a flight to get
      back to his native Japan – which he does regularly.

      He’s too young, healthy, and level-headed for the Mets to sign.

      2
      Reply
    • DogDays2

      2 years ago

      Samuel apparently knows Ohtani personally so whatever he says it correct.

      Reply
  22. Texas Outlaw

    2 years ago

    My kids can’t sleep at night without being read a story about the Mets latest player interest.

    3
    Reply
    • mookie1

      2 years ago

      You are going to cause nightmares.

      1
      Reply
  23. texasguscc

    2 years ago

    Not no, HELL NO

    2
    Reply
  24. solaris602

    2 years ago

    You have to ask yourself, “Is what he gives you on the field greater than what he takes away in the Clubhouse?” Doesn’t take you long to do the math.

    2
    Reply
  25. NYMetsFanatic

    2 years ago

    They need to make a trade for what they want. The remaining FAs aren’t worth anything. That’s the only way the Mets come out ahead.

    Reply
    • Bill M

      2 years ago

      Probably true. I like Profar as a 4th outfielder but as others have said, he’s probably looking for starter’s money…
      …which I don’t see happening.

      Reply
  26. tonyinsingapore

    2 years ago

    Pham’s 2022 “Revenge Tour” in Cincy’s ballpark was an absolute snore fest. Can’t imagine his 2023 performance is going to be any more exciting….

    Reply
  27. Rusteeze

    2 years ago

    Justin Upton is muuuuch better

    Reply
  28. Mrski

    2 years ago

    Any takers on mike moustakas? Mets can use as dh and play some third. Veteran with post season at low risk high reward.

    Reply
  29. JackStrawb

    2 years ago

    What could be better than an OFer who fell off a cliff after 2019 as the primary backup to the oldest OF in baseball?

    Reply

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