Tommy Pham made headlines before Game 1 of the World Series for more critical moments regarding work ethic in the Mets clubhouse. This marked the second time Pham discussed the lack of hard work from his former teammates since being traded away almost three months ago. While the comments don’t make the team or players look great, it’s fair to say the Mets should sign Pham this offseason.
Pham provides right-handed power in the outfield that the Mets currently need. He represents a productive player that allows the Mets to spend minimal money and no prospects or draft picks, which is perfect for where the organization’s current status. Additionally, if the Mets need to work harder, Pham is known as one of the hardest working players in the league.
His strong, intense personality might turn people off at first. However, teammates reportedly typically like him. That was the case in New York, especially with Francisco Lindor. While most might argue that Pham’s comments should have stayed private, they should not disparage David Stearns from trying to bring Pham back to Queens in 2024.
The Mets Should Sign Pham This Offseason
Pham’s Critical Comments
Pham first called out his old team in late September. When speaking to Tim Britton and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the 35-year-old said he discussed the team’s work ethic with leaders like Lindor.
“Out of all the teams I played on, this is the least-hardest working group of position players I’ve ever played with,” Pham said he told Lindor.
Pham would later indicate that he respected the work ethics of core leaders and specifically mentioned Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo.
Francisco Lindor credits Tommy Pham for being a great teammate during their brief time together with the Mets:
"He works as hard as anybody I've seen in my career…he paid attention to the details. Wherever they put him, he was going to get the job done."
(via @Ken_Rosenthal) pic.twitter.com/eW34DZr1Wd
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 11, 2023
The star shortstop thanked Pham for teaching him “how to work hard again.”
Mets fans seemingly responded well to these comments. They are smart enough to know something about the 2023 team was off, and Pham’s comments didn’t unfairly bash anyone. The Mets faithful likely appreciated the honest comments from a player that worked his way into a fan-favorite figure.
A month later, Pham spoke to Newsday and again discussed the Mets. He specifically said the Diamondbacks were less talented, but featured players that grind and fight every day. Pham said that while the Mets were more talented, players lacked a fire that the young Diamondback players had. Arizona largely features young, unestablished players fighting to stay in the majors while the Mets had established veterans that already signed big deals.
.@DPLennon: Tommy Pham says work ethic is what separates Diamondbacks from 'more talented' #Mets https://t.co/xiK6KI3BET #WorldSeries
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) October 27, 2023
Many, including Pham, acknowledged that his work ethic is an outlier in the league. It’s unfair to expect 25 other players on a team to work as hard as him. However, Pham said his teammate’s work level still disappointed him.
“I didn’t call anyone out. If anyone disagrees with me over there, you gotta take a long look in the mirror and be honest. Be a very honest self-evaluator.”
Pham’s Fit on the 2024 Mets
Last offseason, Pham signed a one-year, $6 million deal with New York. In 79 games, he produced an .820 OPS with a .268/.348/.472 slash line which indicates that he offensively provides a little bit of everything.
Early in the year, Pham played a couple times a week as a fourth outfielder and DH, with Mark Canha and Jeff McNeil getting most of the left field reps. Pham eventually hit enough to earn every day at-bats before being traded.
Pham Is A Reliable Option
One year later, left field in Queens is more open for Pham. It’s possible the team will want to keep the position open to try out Ronny Mauricio or Brett Baty. However, there’s absolutely nothing that indicates that plan will work any better than it did with Dominic Smith and J.D. Davis.
The Mets learned the dangers of relying on stars last year, and Pham is the solid, unheralded productive veteran that winning teams have. Although his age might concern some, many metrics indicate that Pham made as hard of contact as anyone in the league last season. These hard contact metrics, plus his elite ability to not chase pitches out of the zone, indicate that he is not due for regression soon.
The first home run of the 2023 World Series belongs to Tommy Pham!! @Dbacks take the lead!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/LKOWePNAo2
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2023
Whether the Mets push for a division title or Wild Card spot, the team is best served by adding an established bat like Pham for left field. Despite a bounce back 2023 and solid postseason performance, he likely won’t get more than a two-year deal with around $10 million per year.
Similar free agent options include Adam Duvall, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Robbie Grossman. There will be a few younger, higher upside options also available this winter. However, the Mets should sign Pham as a great value option that has proven success in New York.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
