Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tommy Pham spent half of the 2023 season with the New York Mets and that was enough time for him to assess that the Citi Field-based squad is up there with the best.

He even believes that it is more talented than the team he is currently with now.

"On paper, I was just like, 'Man, we're that team," he told the New York Post.

If that is the case, then why are the Diamondbacks are playing in the World Series against the Texas Rangers and the Mets did not even reach the wild card phase?

Pham explained that it was the drive that separated the two teams.

"The drive wasn't there [with the Mets]," he said.

"That drive is here [with the Diamondbacks]. That's what separates this team from most teams. You have guys that are still trying to get better every day. You have teammates trying to help you out. And that's dangerous."

Pham said months ago that the Mets were among the least hardworking squad in the league.

Return to the Mets?

Pham, who recorded 27 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs and 47 walks while hitting .256, clarified though that there is no bad blood between him and Mets players.

He believes the Mets will reach the top again, even hinting that a return to Citi Field is possible for him through a sly comment - "I'm a free agent."

Pham and the Diamondbacks will start their World Series title quest on Friday through a visit in Texas.