The Tampa Bay Rays have signed outfielder Austin Slater to a minor league contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. The move comes as Slater, a free agent after being outrighted by the New York Mets, looks for another opportunity in the 2026 season. A Ballengee Group client, Slater is now on his fourth organization this year.
Slater began the season with the Detroit Tigers but was released shortly before Opening Day. He quickly signed with the Miami Marlins and spent a few weeks with the club before being outrighted in late April. After another brief stint with the Mets, Slater is now with the Rays, hoping to earn a spot on the major league roster.
The Jacksonville native has struggled at the plate in 2026, hitting .209 in 49 plate appearances across 21 games. He has just one extra-base hit and has struck out 15 times. Slater’s overall performance has declined over the past two seasons, with a .212/.298/.304 slash line in 421 plate appearances across seven teams since the start of 2024.
Slater was once a productive hitter against left-handed pitching during his time with the San Francisco Giants. That edge has vanished in recent seasons, with no clear handedness advantage in his batting splits. However, he remains an above-average runner and a competent fielder in the corner outfield.
The Rays’ outfield has been hit hard by injuries. Jake Fraley and Jonny DeLuca are both expected to miss several weeks due to a sports hernia and a hamstring strain. Victor Mesa Jr. has been promoted from Triple-A Durham to fill the gap, while Jacob Melton, the team’s only other 40-man outfielder, has been sidelined for a month with a left ankle sprain. If any more injuries occur, Slater would likely be the next call-up.
The Rays are not guaranteed to add Slater to the 40-man roster. However, the move gives them flexibility in case of further injury or underperformance. For Slater, the opportunity to impress in the majors could determine his 2026 trajectory.
The Rays will host the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. A decision on Slater’s status could come in the next week depending on the health of the current outfielders.
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