What happened: Christopher Morel and the New York Mets have agreed on a minor-league contract, with the deal reported to include multiple opt-out dates for the infielder. The agreement gives Morel a path back to the majors after a difficult stretch earlier this season.

Why it matters: The signing is a low-cost depth move for a Mets club sitting well below .500 and searching for productive bats and roster flexibility. Multiple opt-outs give Morel leverage to seek a big-league opportunity if New York does not promote him, making it a sensible bet for both sides.

What to watch: Watch whether Morel reports to Triple-A and how quickly he forces his way into the conversation for a roster spot, with his first opt-out date the key marker to track.