Outfielder Austin Slater has elected free agency following his outright rejection of a Triple-A assignment from the New York Mets. The move opens the door for other teams to pursue the 33-year-old, who has struggled for offensive production in 2024. Slater, who had been sent down by the Mets after just three weeks on their roster, exercised his right to reject the assignment and now becomes a free agent.
Slater’s journey to free agency began with a minor league deal signed with the Detroit Tigers in March. After being released in early April, the Miami Marlins signed him to a major league contract worth $1 million. The Fish designated him for assignment a month later, and he cleared waivers before opting out entirely. The Marlins remain obligated to cover the remaining portion of his salary, while any new team would only be responsible for prorated league minimum payments.
Slater has hit just .209/.286/.233 in 2024, playing across all three outfield positions. His defensive value remains somewhat intact, with six Outs Above Average in over 3,000 career innings. Defensive Runs Saved shows him slightly below average overall, but he has shown positive numbers in left and right field, with five DRS in each corner.
Offensively, Slater has always been a platoon player. He owns a .263/.352/.420 line and 115 wRC+ against left-handed pitching in his career but has struggled against righties with a .228/.313/.331 line and 81 wRC+. His production has declined sharply in recent seasons, with a .212/.298/.304 line and 74 wRC+ from 2024 onward.
The New York Yankees showed enough interest in Slater last season to acquire him at the trade deadline. Though he signed a minor league deal in the offseason, Slater hit .267/.389/.467 in spring training and earned a big league spot. That momentum has not translated to the regular season, but his defensive versatility and platoon potential could still attract suitors.
Slater’s Statcast sprint speed ranks in the 66th percentile this season, suggesting he still has some speed to offer. With his free agency now official, teams have until the end of the July 31 trade deadline to consider adding him.
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