:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54928543/usa_today_9589179.0.jpg)
The Orioles released outfielder Michael Bourn after he exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract, according to MASN’s Roch Kubatko. Bourn is now a free agent.
Bourn, 34, is no stranger to the free-agent market, as he is free to sign anywhere for the third time since the end of last season. After signing a minor-league deal with Baltimore in late February, he was injured during spring training and subsequently released before re-signing on a new deal in mid-April.
Bourn hit .220/.373/.317 in 51 at-bats with Norfolk this season and never cracked the Orioles’ major-league club due to its crowded outfield mix. He will try to find a better fit with a new club and is a candidate for another minor-league deal.
Bourn played well in 24 games at the end of last season for the O’s, hitting .283/.358/.435 after being acquired from Arizona in a waiver-wire trade. He has bounced around over the last three years, with stints in the Indians, Braves, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks and Orioles organizations.