Outfielder Austin Slater given unconditional release by Tigers
Slater, a nine-year veteran, had a strong camp but he knew coming in the roster numbers were stacked against him.
Detroit – The Tigers have granted non-roster invitee Austin Slater his unconditional release. The 33-year-old outfielder was told he would not make the Opening Day roster and he exercised his release clause, making him a free agent. The nine-year veteran had a good camp (.
389 on-base percentage, . 856 OPS), but he knew coming in the numbers were stacked against him with outfielders Riley Greene, Parker Meadows, Kerry Carpenter, Matt Vierling, Wenceel Perez and Jahmai Jones all healthy and returning. “It’s nice knowing I can kind of control my own destiny to a sense,” he said last week, referencing his opt-out.
“There is a lot that is out of my control with team’s decision, but there are some decisions that are within my control and that is a little freeing. ” Slater has found himself on playoff teams the last two seasons. “He’s a Major League player,” Tigers manager AJ Hinch said.
“He has a specific skill set that be brings to a team. He’s a winning player. I really like him.