Khalil Lee back with the Mets this spring despite domestic violence allegations
PORT ST. LUCIE — Khalil Lee is back with the Mets.
The outfielder has a locker in Clover Field’s Major League clubhouse and is listed on the club’s spring training roster, but his presence doesn’t come without controversy.
Lee was designated for assignment earlier this month, shortly after he became the subject of a domestic violence investigation by Major League Baseball, 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 allegations made by Lee’s ex-girlfriend when he was playing in Syracuse last year.
“We trust the process and will let it run its course,” manager Buck Showalter said. “We’ll prepare him to start the season. It’s not something I want to delve into a lot from a baseball standpoint. We will handle it the way we’re told to handle it.”
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, Va., native has played in 13 big 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 in his 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.
The Mets are cooperating with MLB’s investigation.
ROLL CALL
All pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training except for right-hander Tommy Hunter, who is away from camp dealing with family matters. The veteran was re-signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training on Dec. 5.
