The Tampa Bay Rays have added more depth to their outfield by signing veteran Austin Slater to a minor-league deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Slater most recently became a free agent after being released by the New York Mets earlier this month.
The move continues a busy stretch for Tampa Bay, which also recently brought in veteran closer Craig Kimbrel on a one-year major-league contract after his departure from New York.
Slater’s journey this season has been a winding one, beginning with a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers before being released in March.
He then quickly landed with the Miami Marlins on a major-league deal, where he appeared in 12 games and struggled to find consistency at the plate.
After being designated for assignment in April and briefly returning to free agency, he was picked up by the Mets as a short-term solution amid outfield injuries.
However, his time in New York was also brief, as he played just nine games before being designated for assignment again and eventually re-entering free agency.
Across multiple stops this season, Slater has struggled to secure a long-term role despite flashes of production.
Now joining his fourth organization of the year, Slater arrives in Tampa Bay as the Rays continue one of the strongest starts in baseball, hoping his veteran experience can help stabilize their outfield depth as the season progresses.
