Veteran outfielder triggered an opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Mets and was granted his release, . Hes a Austin Rivers Jersey free agent who can sign with any club. The 34-year-old Ortega signed a minor league deal with the Mets in the offseason, kicking off his second stint with the team. He also spent the 2023 campaign with the Mets, hitting .219/.341/.272 in 136 big league plate appearances and .230/.379/.398 in 140 Triple-A plate appearances. Ortega has picked up more than three years of major league service time and played in parts of eight big league seasons. Hes a career .245/.322/.349 hitter in 1301 plate appearances as a big leaguer, highlighted by a 2021-22 run with the Cubs that saw him slash .265/.344/.408 (110 wRC+) in semi-regular action (701 plate appearances over 221 games). Ortega has spent the majority of the current season on the injured list due to a significant hamstring strain. He went on a low-level rehab stint in late July and was activated on the Triple-A roster earlier this month. He started only four of the nine games for the Mets Triple-A Syracuse club since his reinstatement, however, and received 18 total plate appearances in that time. Top outfield prospect s recent promotion to Syracuse would surely further reduce Ortegas playing opportunities, so hell return to the open market in search of a new landing spot. In parts of 10 seasons at the Triple-A level, Ortega is a .286/.370/.446 hitter. Hes a left-handed bat who can handle all three outfield positions. Hell be an option for any club looking for some experienced outfield depth. Bobby Portis Jersey