Orioles Add Veteran Outfielder Tommy Pham On Minor League Deal

The Baltimore Orioles added another veteran bat on Saturday, signing outfielder Tommy Pham to a minor league contract as the organization continues searching for answers during an injury-filled and disappointing 2026 season.

Multiple reports confirmed the deal Saturday morning, including reports from ESPN and MLB.com. The contract reportedly includes an opt-out clause in early June if Baltimore does not add Pham to the major league roster.

The move comes at a time when the Orioles desperately need outfield production and experienced depth. Baltimore entered the season expecting major offensive contributions from Tyler O’Neill and Colton Cowser, but injuries and inconsistency have forced the organization to search for alternatives.

O’Neill has struggled badly at the plate throughout the year while battling injuries, and Cowser’s development has stalled after another frustrating stretch on the injured list. Baltimore also lost right-handed power throughout the lineup after injuries to key contributors and the season-ending elbow surgery suffered by Jordan Westburg.

The Orioles clearly believe Pham still offers value against left-handed pitching and can provide veteran leadership for a club trying to stay alive in the American League playoff race.

Pham, now 38 years old, opened the 2026 season with the New York Mets organization after signing a minor league contract in March. The Mets promoted him to the major league roster in April, but he struggled badly in a limited opportunity, going hitless in 14 plate appearances across nine games before New York designated him for assignment.

Despite the rough start this season, Pham still brings an extensive major league résumé to Baltimore’s system. Across parts of 12 MLB seasons, he has played for the Cardinals, Rays, Padres, Reds, Red Sox, Mets, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Pirates, and now the Orioles organization. If he reaches Baltimore’s major league roster, the Orioles would become the 11th franchise of his career.

Pham owns a career .257 batting average with more than 1,000 hits, over 140 home runs, and a reputation as one of baseball’s more intense competitors. His best stretch came from 2017 through 2019 when he emerged as an impact offensive player with the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays. During that span, Pham posted an OPS above .800 while combining power, speed, and strong on-base ability.

While his offensive numbers have declined in recent years, Baltimore likely views this as a low-risk move with potential upside. Since Opening Day 2020, Pham has hit .240 with a .321 on-base percentage and a .382 slugging percentage. Those numbers no longer resemble his prime seasons, but they still show flashes of offensive competence, particularly against left-handed pitching.

The Orioles simply need help right now.

Baltimore entered 2026 believing its outfield would become a major strength. O’Neill arrived with hopes of adding right-handed power after multiple productive seasons earlier in his career. Cowser looked poised for a breakout after showing flashes of becoming an everyday impact player. Instead, injuries and underperformance have created a revolving door in the corner outfield spots.

That instability has forced Baltimore to rely heavily on younger players and depth pieces throughout the season.

The organization also continues balancing the development of younger hitters such as Heston Kjerstad and Samuel Basallo while trying to remain competitive in the AL East. Kjerstad recently returned to rehab work after dealing with injuries of his own, while Basallo continues splitting time between catcher and designated hitter duties.

Pham’s addition gives Baltimore another experienced right-handed bat who could help against left-handed pitching if he performs well in Triple-A Norfolk.

The move also fits a recent Orioles trend under executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias. Baltimore has consistently targeted low-cost veteran depth options throughout the season, particularly players with previous offensive success and postseason experience.

Pham certainly checks those boxes.

He played a major role during Arizona’s 2023 postseason run and previously delivered productive stretches for both the Mets and Padres in playoff races. His fiery personality has occasionally created headlines throughout his career, but teams continue giving him opportunities because of his competitiveness and clubhouse presence.

For Baltimore, this signing carries virtually no financial risk.

Because the Mets already guaranteed much of Pham’s 2026 salary after selecting his contract earlier this season, the Orioles would only owe a prorated portion of the major league minimum if they eventually promote him.

Now the question becomes whether Pham still has enough left offensively to help a struggling Orioles lineup.

Baltimore’s offense has lacked consistency throughout large stretches of the season. Injuries have weakened lineup depth, and several expected core contributors have failed to produce at anticipated levels. The organization clearly hopes a veteran player with Pham’s experience can provide a spark, even if only in a platoon or bench role.

The Orioles do not need Pham to become an All-Star again.

They simply need professional at-bats, competent outfield depth, and another right-handed hitter capable of contributing against left-handed pitching.

Baltimore now hopes the veteran outfielder can rediscover enough of his previous form to earn another major league opportunity.