Loney hit .284/.336/.410 with 108 homers in 11 major-league seasons. He's been out of the big leagues since 2016, spending time in Korea and in the independent Atlantic League.

Loney was considered by some scouts to be a better pitcher than hitter back when he was drafted in 2002. He went on to have an 11-year career as a first baseman, posting a .284/.336/.410 line at the plate. The 34-year-old has been out of the big leagues since 2016 and hasn't posted an above-average batting line since 2014, but the rise of interest in two-way players could give Loney at least an outside chance at returning to the majors should his arm look good in the Atlantic League.

Loney has been out of baseball since late May after he was unable to parlay minor-league contracts he signed earlier this season with the Rangers, Tigers and Braves into a big-league roster spot. Since the 33-year-old didn't have the desire to slum it the minors following 11 seasons in the majors, he'll instead head abroad to continue his career. Given his age, it's unlikely that Loney will generate much interest from MLB teams next winter even if he's able to play productively during his time in Korea.

With the Braves bringing Matt Adams to fill their void at first base, Loney saw the writing on the wall that his services were no longer needed. His vast big-league experience and the .704 OPS he posted with the Mets last season make it hard to believe that he'll have a very hard time finding a new home in free agency.