Austin Slater, an outfielder, has opted for free agency after the Mets sent him outright to Triple-A Syracuse. With over five years of Major League service, Slater has the right to reject the assignment while retaining his salary. He initially signed a $1 million contract with the Marlins but was designated for assignment after less than a month, prompting him to clear waivers and seek opportunities elsewhere. Slater's current season stats from both the Marlins and Mets reflect struggles, yet he retains interest from other teams due to his overall skill set.

By the Numbers
  • Slater holds a .209 batting average with a .286 on-base percentage and .233 slugging percentage this season.
  • Statcast ranks his sprint speed in the 66th percentile among qualified players this year.
Yes, But

Despite his struggles at the plate, Slater previously showed potential, particularly against left-handed pitchers, where he boasts a career 115 wRC+. However, his overall production has notably declined since 2023.

State of Play
  • Slater cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Marlins.
  • The Mets gave him a brief stint before removing him from their roster, indicating limited interest.
What's Next

Slater is expected to receive interest in the free agent market, potentially securing either a minor or major league contract with another club. His defensive abilities and speed could make him valuable to teams seeking outfield depth.

Bottom Line

Despite recent performance challenges, Austin Slater's combination of speed and track record in the outfield create potential opportunities as he seeks to revitalize his career in free agency.