Outfielder José Azócar, who was designated for assignment by the New York Mets over the weekend, has rejected his outright assignment to the minor leagues and instead elected free agency.
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Azócar went unclaimed on waivers for the second time in just a couple months after he was designated for assignment by the Mets earlier this season and was outrighted to Triple-A. This time, he was able to reject his outright assignment, as players with multiple career outrights are able to instead elect free agency.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 02: A general view of New York Mets hats and gloves in the dugout during the ninth inning of the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at… WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 02: A general view of New York Mets hats and gloves in the dugout during the ninth inning of the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Nationals Park on July 2, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Azócar appeared in 12 games with the Mets this season, slashing .278/.350/.278 with five runs scored, two walks and one strikeout. He played in all three outfield spots, providing depth for the team.
The Mets are the third organization that Azócar has been with in his professional career.
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Azócar initially signed with the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 2012. He worked his way up the minor league circuit with Detroit, but never reached the major league level.
In 2020, the outfielder signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres. He made his MLB debut a few years later in 2022, and has appeared in MLB games in every season since.
In parts of three seasons with the Padres from 2022-24, Azócar appeared in 215 games, slashing .243/.287/.322 with two home runs, 21 runs batted in and an OPS of .610. He’s added 17 doubles and 18 stolen bases.
His best season came in 2023, when he appeared in 55 games, hitting .231 with two home runs, nine RBIs, eight stolen bases and an OPS of .641.
Azócar will now likely have to sign another minor league deal with the hopes of making his way back to the major leagues. A team in need of outfield depth could bring in the 29-year-old, who has experience at all three outfield spots.
He also brings plus-speed to the organization as a potential pinch-runner option.
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