The New York Mets were hoping for a spark from outfielder Tommy Pham, but he looked overmatched at Citi Field.
The New York Mets are looking everywhere for answers, and they’re not finding any. The Mets made their latest moves yesterday, designating outfielder Tommy Pham for assignment and signing Austin Slater to take his roster spot in a one-for-one swap, according to Mark Polishuk of MLBTradeRumors.com via Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The 38-year old Pham was rushed to the majors without an extended spring training, based on the belief that he’s always been a player who can come in and provide a spark. He was activated on April 13, but he struck out seven times in 14 plate appearances and often looked overmatched at the plate.
Pham will get paid, however. He signed a one-year deal for $2.25 million that was locked in when he was activated, so that money is now on the books regardless of what happens going forward. Pham could be claimed by another team off the waiver wire, but the more likely outcome is that he goes unclaimed and the Mets are on the hook for the rest of his salary. Pham could have accepted an outright assignment with an agreement to return, but the signing of Slater makes that unlikely.
Slater may not be much better. He’s on his third team in just over a month after being signed to a minor league contract by the Detroit Tigers in the offseason, and Slater triggered his first opt-out at the end of spring training. Detroit elected to release him, and Slater quickly landed with the Miami Marlins on a one-year, $1 million deal, but he released after just 12 games.
Slater posted a slash line of .174/.286/.174 over 28 plate appearances with the Marlins, which is actually slightly better than Pham over a tiny sample. Slater does have a reputation for hitting left-handers well, so he could platoon with rookie Carson Benge, but Benge has been climbing toward the Mendoza line and the Mets would love to see him continue his recent steady improvement. Slater could also be an occasional for Tyrone Taylor, the Mets’ defense-first fourth outfielder, especially if he can somehow get hot right away.
Neither of these moves are likely to make much difference over the long haul. The Mets are struggling throughout their entire lineup, so adding a retread like Pham or Slater probably won’t have much of an impact. The Mets are already ten games under .500, and there’s no sign of a turnaround in sight.