Former Mets Outfielder's Free Agent Market 'Heating Up'
A former New York Mets outfielder is finding a solid market for his services as he looks for a contract before spring training starts later this month.
Tommy Pham, who wrapped up last season helping the Arizona Diamondback reach the World Series, is on the radar of the Boston Red Sox, per the New York Post. Meanwhile, MLB.com reports that at least eight clubs are in contact with Pham’s representatives.
MLB.com described Pham’s market as “heating up.”
Whoever signs Pham will get an experienced right-handed bat that broke into baseball in 2014 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Pham arrived in January of last year after the Mets signed him to a one-year, $6 million contract. He emerged as the team’s starting left fielder and put together quality production, slashing .268/.348/.472/.820 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI in 79 games.
As the Mets fell out of contention, Pham became one of the more sought-after trade targets on the market, and the Mets flipped him to Arizona for cash consideration and a young prospect named Jeremy Rodriguez.
After joining the Diamondbacks, Pham was quoted by The Athletic as having told Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, "Out of all the teams I played on, this is the least-hardest working group of position players I’ve ever played with."
Later, he clarified that he respected the work ethics of at least three former teammates — Lindor, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo.
Pham helped fuel the D-backs’ run to the World Series, where they lost in five games to the Texas Rangers.
