Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Updated Post – Feb. 15, 8:37
Mets outfielder Khalil Lee has cleared waivers after being recently designated for assignment. He was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse. The DFA came shortly after the Mets found out Major League Baseball was investigating Lee for the alleged assault of his former girlfriend.
Tim Healey of Newsday reports that Lee is still in the Mets organization and will receive an invitation to major league spring training camp.
Original Post – Feb. 6, 19:14
The New York Mets have designated outfielder Khalil Lee for assignment. Lee is under an active MLB investigation due to a lawsuit accusing him of assault last year.
In a corresponding move, the Mets have claimed right-handed pitcher Sam Coonrod off of waivers from Philadelphia. Coonrod was designated for assignment by the Phillies last week to make room for infielder Josh Harrison.
Coonrod, 30, missed most of last season with a shoulder strain. In his 12 appearances, he had a 7.82 ERA. Prior to that, Coonrod had a 4.04 ERA in 42 1/3 innings for the Phillies in 2021.
Coonrod is a player the Mets are certainly taking on as a bounceback candidate. His FIP and SIERA had Coonrod’s ERA as much lower last season and there is optimism his velocity can get back to the 98 and 99 miles per hour level now that he’s further removed from injury.
Coonrod has an option on his contract and will not need to be guaranteed an active roster spot, allowing the Mets to keep him in the minor leagues until possibly needed.
The Mets acquired Lee in 2021 from the Kansas City Royals. Lee appeared in 13 major league games over the last two seasons. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Syracuse where he slashed .211/.326/.366 in 100 games. He’s under investigation by Major League Baseball under the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. His ex-girlfriend filed a federal lawsuit that alleges Lee assaulted her physically and verbally in May of last year.
