Mets' 38-year old veteran leaves contract to join new MLB team

The New York Mets hoped Tommy Pham would help them this season.

Instead, he's looking for a chance to join a different MLB team.

The Mets recently designated Pham for assignment to remove him from the 40-man roster. When that happens, a player goes on waivers.

Pham cleared waivers, though. That would generally lead to his assignment to Triple-A Syracuse.

According to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, Pham had a clause in his contract that allows him to opt-out rather than head to Triple-A. And DiComo adds that Pham has indeed exercised that clause.

That means Pham is a free agent.

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These veteran clauses exist to allow players to look for another MLB chance rather than playing in the minor leagues.

Pham electing free agency doesn't mean he has another deal lined up already. It simply means that's what he'll be looking for.

The veteran outfielder is now 38 years old. He was 0-for-13 this season with the Mets with one walks and seven strikeouts.

The Mets replaced Pham with Austin Slater.

Pham wasn't signed by the Mets until March 26, so he might have to take a Triple-A deal somewhere anyway. But he must figure if he gets to pick his destination, it could have a better chance of getting him back to the major leagues than he thinks might happen with the Mets.

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