The outfielder reported to Clover Field for spring training this week. He has a locker in the Major League clubhouse and is listed on the club’s spring training roster. Lee was designated for assignment shortly after the league opened the investigation to make room for left-handed reliever Sam Coonrod on the 40-man roster. After he cleared waivers, the Mets decided to keep him in the organization instead of releasing him and he was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse.
MLB is currently investigating domestic violence allegations made by Lee’s ex-girlfriend when he was playing in Syracuse last year.
Lee was named in a warrant that was issued by the Syracuse police department on Feb. 1 for criminal obstruction of breath, a misdemeanor. New York State penal code defines this charge as the intent to impede the normal breathing or blood flow of a person by applying pressure on the throat or neck or blocking the nose or mouth.
In addition, Lee was named in a lawsuit by his Brooklyn-based ex-girlfriend, alleging that the 24-year-old former pulled her hair and choked her during an argument in May. She went to the police the following day. An arrest warrant was signed by a judge on Aug. 10. The allegations were first reported by Anne Hayes of Syracuse.com.
Lee was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the third round of the 2016 draft. He came to the Mets as part of a three-team trade between the Royals, Mets and Boston Red Sox on Feb. 10, 2021. The Oakton, Virginia native has played in 13 Major League games with the Mets. Ranked the 26th-best prospect in the club’s minor league system by MLB Pipeline, Lee slashed .274/.451/.500 with a .951 OPS and eight stolen bases first season in Syracuse in 2021. He was named an Eastern League All-Star.
However, a spot on the big league team this season was unlikely before the assault allegations. The Mets signed Tommy Pham last month, effectively locking up that fourth outfield spot, though he likely would have been one of the first players called up in case of injury before being removed from the 40-man roster.