César Puello

The Mets are signing outfielder Cesar Puello to a minor league contract, reports Tim Healey of Newsday. He’ll be assigned to Triple-A Syracuse. Puello, 30, has appeared in the big leagues with four different teams across parts of three seasons. Altogether, he’s tallied 197 plate appearances at the highest level, compiling a useful .246/.354/.347 line while lining up at all three outfield positions. A one-time top prospect during his first stint in the Mets system (2008-15), Puello has spent significantly more time at the Triple-A level, where’s posted a .289/.391/.439 slash over parts of six seasons.

Puello, 30, triggered the June 1 opt-out clause in his minor-league deal with the Red Sox earlier this week and was subsequently granted his release on Thursday. The right-handed hitter struggled in his first season with Triple-A Worcester, slashing .158/.370/.184 (78 wRC+) to go along with one double, no home runs, seven RBI, six runs scored, eight walks, eight strikeouts, and six stolen bases over 15 games and 54 plate appearances.