Tigers Release Austin Slater After Article XX(B) Opt-Out

Overview

• Austin Slater, 33, exercised his Article XX(B) opt-out after being told he would not make the Opening Day roster, and the Tigers granted him an unconditional release.
• Slater is now a free agent following a camp in which he posted a .267 average, .389 on-base percentage and .856 OPS with 1 home run over 15 games.
• Detroit declined to add him to the 40-man roster given established outfield options that include Riley Greene, Parker Meadows, Kerry Carpenter, Matt Vierling, Wenceel Perez and Jahmai Jones.
• Manager A.J. Hinch praised Slater as a Major League-caliber, winning player who fits on many rosters.
• Corey Julks, another right-handed outfielder in camp, was reassigned earlier and is expected to open at Triple-A Toledo, and MLB Trade Rumors noted a possible re-signing could occur if the move was procedural.