The New York Mets have officially parted ways with veteran outfielder, releasing the 3-year Major League player just weeks after claiming him off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
The move comes as the Mets continue to fine-tune their organizational depth ahead of their weekend series against the Boston Red Sox, with the club making another roster decision involving an experienced outfielder.
Oliva was claimed off waivers by New York at the end of June in hopes of adding additional outfield depth to the organization. However, his stint with the Mets proved to be brief. After being designated for assignment shortly after joining the club, he ultimately cleared waivers and was granted his outright release.
Although Oliva was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse after being claimed, he never appeared in a game for the Mets organization before the team decided to move on.
The 29-year-old made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2020 season and spent parts of three MLB campaigns in the big leagues. Known primarily for his speed and defensive versatility, Oliva has appeared at all three outfield positions during his professional career while also providing value as a baserunner.
Despite showing flashes of athleticism throughout his time in professional baseball, Oliva struggled to establish himself as a consistent offensive contributor at the Major League level. His opportunities became increasingly limited as organizations turned to younger players with greater long-term upside.
The Mets’ decision to release Oliva reflects the club’s continued effort to create roster flexibility while prioritizing players who are more likely to contribute either in Triple-A or at the Major League level as the second half of the season approaches.
For Oliva, the release makes him a free agent once again, allowing him to pursue opportunities with another organization. Given his Major League experience, defensive ability, and speed, he could draw interest from teams looking to add experienced outfield depth through a minor league contract.
As for the Mets, the transaction clears another roster spot as they continue preparing for an important series against the Red Sox while evaluating their depth options for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
