New York Mets reunite with outfielder on minor league deal

The Mets have reunited with outfielder José Azócar, who appeared in 12 games with the team earlier this season.

Apr 19, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Jose Azocar (28) runs out a single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

A familiar face has returned to bolster the New York Mets' outfield depth.

On Friday afternoon, the Mets announced that José Azócar had signed a minor league deal and would report to Triple-A Syracuse. He appeared in 12 games with the big league club earlier this season before being designated for assignment and ultimately electing free agency in late May.

The Mets have signed José Azocar to a minor league deal

He played in 12 games with the team earlier this season pic.twitter.com/L1HRvef0VF

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 27, 2025

Azócar, 29, batted .278 (5-for-18) with an RBI and a stolen base during his previous stint with the Mets, mostly appearing as a pinch runner and defensive replacement late in games. He joined the Atlanta Braves' active roster on May 30 and played two games with the team, flying out in his only at-bat. Atlanta designated him for assignment on June 16.

José Azócar with an RBI single! pic.twitter.com/RZCsoRUU1M

— SNY (@SNYtv) April 29, 2025

Before this year, Azócar spent parts of three seasons with the San Diego Padres. He hit .243/.287/.322 with two home runs and 18 stolen bases in 214 games with the team before being claimed off waivers by the Mets last September.

Read More: New York Mets make a decision on Ronny Mauricio

New York currently carries five outfielders on its active 26-man roster—six if you count the versatile Jeff McNeil. They also have Jesse Winker (oblique strain) and José Siri (fractured tibia) on the injured list, though there is no timetable for Siri's return following a recent setback in his rehab.

While the outfield is crowded, Azócar provides the Mets with another major-league-caliber depth option at all three spots should further injuries occur. For now, he will help out Syracuse at the Triple-A level, where he owns a .286/.322/.434 (.756 OPS) slash line in 196 career games.