dailyloe.com – The New York Mets have designated outfielder Tommy Pham for assignment, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. This decision follows the agreement to sign outfielder Austin Slater, reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic.
Slater’s signing is expected to fill Pham’s position on both the active and 40-man rosters. Despite Slater’s arrival, the Mets still have only 39 players on the 40-man roster.
Slater joins the Mets after a short stint with the Miami Marlins and a previous contract with the Detroit Tigers. After the Tigers released him, Slater signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Marlins but was designated for assignment after 12 games.
Slater cleared waivers earlier today and chose to become a free agent. He has more than five years of MLB service time, allowing him to retain the remainder of his $1 million salary, meaning the Mets may only pay him a prorated minimum salary.
In 28 plate appearances with the Marlins, Slater recorded a batting line of .174/.286/.174, which is still an improvement over Pham’s performance. Pham concluded his time with the Mets with zero hits and one walk in 14 plate appearances.
The Mets signed Pham to a minor league contract at the start of the season, promoting him to the active roster on April 13. His extended time in free agency limited his preparation for the season, as he did not participate in a traditional Spring Training.
Pham’s tenure in New York lasted nine games, and he was unable to secure a hit during that time. His contract with the Mets included a prorated salary of $2.25 million for the 2026 season.
If another team claims Pham off waivers, they would take on the remainder of his salary. However, it is more likely that he will go unclaimed, leaving the Mets responsible for the remaining amount regardless of Pham’s future.
