Free-agent outfielder Mark Payton has signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox. Payton comes back to the United States after playing for the Seibu Lions of the Korean Baseball Organization in 2023. The 31-year-old has played in only 40 games in the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds and White Sox in parts of three seasons from 2020-22. He played in only eight games for the White Sox in 2022 and went 3-for-21 with an RBI and three runs scored. In 69 total plate appearances in the majors, Payton has gone 10-for-61 (.164) with no home runs, a double, one RBI, one stolen base and five runs scored. Payton will represent minor-league depth for the rebuilding White Sox entering the 2024 season.
The Mets acquired outfielder Mark Payton from the Reds on Saturday. The 29-year-old was dealt for cash and will head to Syracuse for a stint in Triple-A. He hasn't done much during his limited appearances in Cincinnati this season, batting .182 while racking up four hits in 22 at-bats. Payton may find time in the big league lineup at some point if an injury pops up. However, he isn't worth much from a fantasy standpoint at the moment.
Josh VanMeter Gets Optioned, Mark Payton Joins Active Roster
Cincinnati Reds second baseman/designated Josh VanMeter was optioned to the clubs alternate training site prior to Saturdays game against St. Louis with outfielder Mark Payton taking his spot on the active roster. VanMeter struggled mightily at the dish to open 2020, having slashed .059/.158/.176 through his first 38 plate appearances. Payton will likely see extended at-bats against right-handed pitching, having demolished Triple-A pitching last season to the tune of a 1.053 OPS with 30 home runs. At this stage, Payton is a high-upside, low-priced DFS play against below average right-handed throwers, while VanMeter will need to hit well enough at the clubs alternate training site to earn another call up.
