Veteran outfielder Austin Slater has opted out of his minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays to seek a major-league deal. The decision follows his release from Triple-A Durham after appearing in seven games for Tampa Bay earlier this season.
Slater was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He spent the first seven and a half seasons of his ten-year major-league career with the organisation. His most productive campaign in San Francisco arrived in 2021, when he featured in a career-high 129 games, recording 12 home runs and 15 stolen bases while helping propel the Giants into the postseason.
Following his departure from San Francisco, the veteran embarked on a series of quick stints across the league. His recent trajectory included stops with the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, and New York Mets before joining the Rays organisation.
Slater split time between Tampa Bay and their Triple-A affiliate this summer before parting ways with the club. MLB.com confirmed the initial procedural move: “Durham Bulls released RF Austin Slater.”
The 31-year-old outfielder maintained strong offensive metrics at the minor-league level before exercising his opt-out clause. Reporting on his entry into free agency, Robert Murray of FanSided wrote: “Sources: Veteran outfielder Austin Slater has opted out of his minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays and is looking for a major-league deal. Slater, who has played in 10 major-league seasons, was hitting .305/.407/.453 in 35 games in Triple-A.”
As Slater evaluates his options on the open market, his former club faces significant on-field difficulties. The Giants remain fourth in the National League West with a 54-79 record through 133 games. They suffered a historic late-game collapse against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park on Wednesday, giving up a six-run lead in the final frame to lose 10-9.
Reflecting on the unprecedented defeat, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area wrote: “The Giants lost 10-9, failing to pick up their first sweep. This is the first time in franchise history that they lost when leading by six runs in the ninth inning. What a season.”
San Francisco must clear their minds quickly as they open a home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Slater will now watch from afar while seeking a major-league roster spot elsewhere.
