The Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran Tommy Pham to a minor league deal, with Alden Gonzalez of ESPN breaking the news of a deal that will provide a boost to an outfield unit that’s been among the worst in the big leagues.
Pham signed with the New York Mets this season, but only appeared in nine games. He was designated for assignment in late April. Given his MLB service time and previous transaction history, Pham was able to reject a minor league assignment and choose free agency.
The Orioles news comes with the club having lost 10 of its last 15 games. Baltimore has struggled mightily to generate offensive production in the outfield. The team’s center fielders rank 20th in OPS. Right field has been a bigger problem, with Tyler O’Neill and company posting a woeful .586 OPS.
Baltimore Orioles News Update: Outfielder Tommy Pham Signed to Minor League Deal
Pham has played for 10 teams in his 13-year career. He first came up with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014. The outfielder was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018. He then bounced to the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds. Pham has spent recent seasons with the Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s had repeat stints in St. Louis and New York.
Despite entering his late 30s, Pham has remained a productive hitter. The 38-year-old was an above-average bat as recently as 2023. He compiled a 109 wRC+ in a campaign split between the Mets and Diamondbacks. Pham’s production has trailed off over the past two seasons, but he’s still combined for 19 home runs and 12 stolen bases from 2024 through 2025.
Pham’s second go-round with the Mets went poorly. He went 0-for-13 with a walk in a limited role with the club. New York needed outfield help when Juan Soto was dealing with a calf issue. Luis Robert Jr. also went down with an injury. Despite the depleted depth chart, Pham didn’t stick with the Mets for long.
Can Pham Help the Orioles’ Outfield Offense?
Baltimore traded for outfielder Taylor Ward this offseason. The club sent right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in a one-for-one swap. Ward has excelled at the top of the Orioles’ lineup, posting a career-best 138 wRC+. He’s been one of the most impactful hitters on the roster as the everyday left fielder.
The club hasn’t been able to find reliable options in the other two outfield spots. Leody Taveras got off to a hot start as the regular center fielder, but he’s since cooled off. Blaze Alexander, Colton Cowser, and Dylan Beavers have offered next to nothing during their time at the position. Right field has been even more of a hodgepodge. The offensive contributions have been similarly underwhelming. O’Neill, Cowser, Beavers, Alexander, Taveras, and Johnathan Rodriguez have all spent time in right field. The group has contributed the seventh-worst OPS in the league at the position.
Pham may need some time to ramp up in the minors. Once he’s ready, he could assume a semi-regular position in Baltimore’s uninspiring group of outfielders.
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