A day following the epic Game 7 finale of the 2019 Fall Classic, the New York Mets officially declined OF Juan Lagares’ $9.5 million club option for the 2020 season along with their club options for 2B Joe Panik and LHP Donnie Hart. While these moves freed up a sizeable amount of funds for management to reinvest in new talent this offseason, it also opened up a fourth outfielder spot amid their crowded outfield options.
Since his debut with the team in 2013, Lagares slashed .254/.297/.361 over seven seasons in Flushing.