Mets designate veteran for assignment following sweep vs. Rockies

The New York Mets designated veteran outfielder Tommy Pham for assignment immediately after being swept in a doubleheader by the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The Mets managed just one run across both games (3-1 and 3-0 losses) and have now scored one run or fewer in 10 of their first 28 contests this season.

Pham’s second run with New York lasted only nine games. The 38-year-old went hitless in 13 at-bats with one walk and seven strikeouts, going 0-for-13 across 14 plate appearances. He started Game 1 of the doubleheader, going 0-for-2, and did not appear in the second game. Signed to a minor league deal in late March, Pham was promoted on April 13 after limited preparation that included extended spring training and five Single-A games. His call-up locked in a prorated $2.25 million salary for 2026.

A 13-year MLB veteran who has played for 10 teams, Pham owns 149 career home runs. However, he has not recorded an above-average OPS+ over a full season since 2023. Last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he compiled a .245/.330/.370 slash line (94 OPS+) with 10 homers in 120 games. In 2023 with the Mets, he hit .268/.348/.472 with 10 home runs in 73 games before being traded.

To fill the roster spot, New York agreed to terms with Austin Slater, a 33-year-old outfielder who recently became a free agent after being designated by the Miami Marlins. Slater hit .174/.286/.174 with a .460 OPS over 12 games (28 plate appearances) with Miami. He previously signed a minor league deal with Detroit before joining Miami on a one-year, $1 million contract. Due to his service time, the Marlins remain responsible for most of that salary, leaving the Mets to pay only a prorated minimum.

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