Juan Lagares
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The New York Mets have reportedly declined the 2020 option of veteran centerfielder Juan Lagares, making him a free agent.

Juan Lagares‘ tenure with the New York Mets has come to an end. This week, the ball club elected to decline the veteran centerfielder’s 2020 option. This will make him a free agent heading into next season. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported the news on Friday.

Lagares, 30, was with the Mets from 2013-19. He won the National League Gold Glove Award in 2014. This past year, he appeared in 133 games, finishing with five home runs, 27 RBIs, and a slash line of .213/.279/.326. He also scored 38 runs. Lagares played 125 of those 133 games from the centerfield spot.

Additionally, second baseman Joe Panik and left-handed reliever Donnie Hart have declined assignments to Triple-A Syracuse. This means both of these individuals will head to free agency after short stints in Queens.

Panik signed with the Mets on Aug. 9 of this year. The San Francisco Giants previously designated Panik for assignment on Aug. 6. Panik, 29, finished the 2019 season with five home runs, 39 RBIs, and a slash line of .244/.315/.336 through 142 games. He played in just 39 of those games for New York.

The Mets claimed Hart off waivers on Aug. 3 after the Milwaukee Brewers designated him for assignment on July 31. He appeared in only one game for New York against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 4. Hart pitched just one full inning in the 13-2 victory, allowing no hits, earned runs, nor walks. The Mets sent Hart down to the minor leagues after that appearance.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.