New York Mets make smart move with Tommy Pham

Now that the Carlos Correa saga has come to an end, the New York Mets’ major shopping is over. However, they still need depth pieces to fill out their roster as they hope to bring a championship back to New York.

The Mets have addressed one of those needs. According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Mets and Tommy Pham have agreed to terms. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that it is a one year deal worth $6 million.

Tommy Pham adds needed outfield depth for New York Mets

The Mets starting outfield is set. Mark Canha, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte are locked in from left to right. However, the Mets did not have much depth beyond that group, with Abraham Almonte listed as the backup to all three positions.

Pham provides that needed depth. While he is limited to left field at this stage of his career, he would allow either Canha or Marte to cover center in order to give Nimmo a day off. He can also serve as a right handed platoon partner at the designated hitter spot, potentially allowing the Mets to move on from the disappointing Darin Ruf.

While Pham did not have a stellar 2022 campaign, there were some positives. He posted a .236/.312/.374 batting line in his 622 plate appearances between the Reds and Red Sox, hitting 17 homers and 23 doubles. However, he hit the ball hard, his average exit velocity ranking in the 93rd percentile and his hard hit rate in the 89th percentile. It is not outside the realm of possibility that he can put together a strong showing with the bat in 2023.

That is more probable as the Mets would be able to pick their spots regarding when to put Pham in the lineup. He would likely be a platoon bat against lefties, a role he still had success with in 2022. That is all the Mets are going to need him to be.

The New York Mets are starting to address their depth. Tommy Pham not only helps in the outfield but he can be a platoon bat at DH.