Mets Move On From Tommy Pham After Offensive Struggles, Add Austin Slater

The New York Mets made a roster change following a difficult offensive weekend, designating veteran outfielder Tommy Pham for assignment after being swept in a doubleheader by the Colorado Rockies. The move came after New York managed just one run across both games, extending a season-long trend of inconsistent scoring.

The Mets’ offensive struggles have been a recurring issue early in the 2026 season. Through their first 28 games, they have been held to one run or fewer in 10 contests, underscoring broader concerns about lineup production and depth.

Pham’s second stint with the organization ended quickly, lasting just nine games after he was promoted in mid-April. The veteran outfielder was unable to find his rhythm at the plate, continuing a recent stretch of declining production.

In a corresponding move, New York added outfielder Austin Slater, aiming to bring in a more productive option as the team attempts to stabilize its roster.

1. Pham’s Short Return To New York

Pham’s second stint with the Mets was brief and unproductive. Across 13 at-bats, he failed to record a hit, finishing 0-for-13 with one walk and seven strikeouts, struggling to generate consistent contact. He appeared in only one of the two games during the doubleheader, going hitless in Game 1 before being held out of Game 2 entirely. His limited impact highlighted the team’s offensive difficulties during the series. Signed initially to a minor league contract in late March, Pham worked his way onto the roster after a short ramp-up period that included extended spring training and a brief stint in Single-A. His promotion came on April 13. The move activated a prorated $2.25 million salary for the 2026 season, reflecting the financial commitment tied to his major league roster spot despite the short-lived opportunity.

2. A Veteran With A Long MLB Track Record

Despite his recent struggles, Pham brings a long track record across his 13-year major league career. He has played for 10 different teams and has accumulated 149 career home runs, providing veteran experience and occasional power production. However, his recent offensive numbers have shown decline. He has not posted an above-average OPS+ across a full season since 2023, signaling a drop in overall effectiveness at the plate. During the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pham hit .245 with a .330 on-base percentage and .370 slugging percentage, finishing with a 94 OPS+ and 10 home runs across 120 games. In his prior stint with the Mets in 2023, he showed stronger production, hitting .268 with a .348 on-base percentage and .472 slugging mark, including 10 home runs in 73 games before being traded.

3. Mets Turn To Austin Slater For Reinforcement

To replace Pham on the roster, the Mets signed Slater, a 33-year-old outfielder with experience across multiple organizations. The move is aimed at providing immediate depth while the team evaluates longer-term offensive solutions. Slater most recently played for the Miami Marlins, where he struggled in limited action. He hit .174 with a .286 on-base percentage and a .174 slugging percentage over 28 plate appearances in 12 games. Before joining Miami, he had brief stops with other organizations, including a minor league deal with Detroit. He later signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Marlins before being designated for assignment. Due to his service time, Miami remains responsible for most of his previous salary, allowing the Mets to add him at a minimal financial cost as they look for incremental improvements to their roster.