Tommy Pham, Mets agree to minors deal, bolstering New York outfield depth: Sources

NEW YORK — The New York Mets and veteran Tommy Pham are nearing an agreement on a minor-league deal, league sources told The Athletic on Thursday, in a move that bolsters the club’s outfield depth.

The Mets feature star left fielder Juan Soto, new center fielder Luis Robert Jr. and rookie right fielder Carson Benge, who is making his major-league debut on Opening Day. They also carry outfielder Tyrone Taylor and Brett Baty, who is set to see some time in right field, plus Jared Young, who plays first base and the corner outfield spots.

Pham, whose deal is pending a physical examination, played for the Mets in 2023. While with New York, he earned the respect of key veterans like Francisco Lindor for his work ethic. The team underachieved in 2023, and Pham told The Athletic that season that he once said to Lindor, “Out of all the teams I played on, this is the least-hardest working group of position players I’ve ever played with.”

Since then, the Mets have almost completely remade their roster.

During the offseason, Pham told The Athletic that he wants to keep playing until he reaches 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases. The 38-year-old is at 149 homers and 131 steals after producing a .700 OPS with 10 homers and five stolen bases in 120 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last year.

Pham said he played with plantar fasciitis last year but has since addressed the issue.

Pham will earn $2.25 million if he reaches the majors, league sources said. With incentives, Pham’s salary with the Mets could reach $3.1 million. He can opt out of the deal by April 25.

Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman was battling for a job on the Opening Day roster on a minor-league deal but tore the meniscus in his left knee during the final week of spring training.