Rays DFA former Yankees, Mets outfielder who has played for three teams in 2026

May 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Mets outfielder Austin Slater against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays are moving on from a veteran outfielder. 

This is becoming somewhat of a trend for the right-handed hitter. 

According to an announcement from the AL East club, Austin Slater was designated for assignment. Another outfielder, Jonny DeLuca, was reinstated from the injured list and will take Slater's place on Tampa Bay's roster. 

Slater appeared in seven games with the Rays, going 6-for-22 in 25 trips to the plate. Tampa Bay was his third organization in 2026, as he also spent time with the Miami Marlins and New York Mets. 

"Slater had a decent run as a lefty-mashing utilityman in San Francisco from 2020-23, but his bat has witted in recent seasons," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Friday.

"Dating back to 2024, Slater carries just a .215/.301/.308 batting line in 446 MLB plate appearances." 

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Jumping from club to club somewhat indicates how teams view Slater. He is a fourth outfielder who can have decent power against left-handing pitching. 

He has not surpassed 89 games played since 2023 with the Giants, and he has suited up for seven different organizations since departing San Francisco in 2024. 

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