The Oakland A’s released outfielder Alejandro De Aza on Monday, the team announced. De Aza had an opt-out clause in his contract and had decided to use it, reports Susan Slusser of the S.F. Chronicle. He is now a free agent, but Slusser notes that the A’s could re-sign him if no other club shows interest.
De Aza had appeared to be a leading candidate for a bench role on the Opening Day squad, so this somewhat surprising move brings a bit of clarity to the situation. The A’s have four outfielders (Khris, Rajai, Joyce, Canha) and one more open roster spot, and it might be a good idea to use that vacancy on a fifth outfielder (preferably a lefty hitter) who can properly back up CF behind the 36-year-old Rajai.