Orioles Claim Luis Robert Jr. Off Waivers
The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets, according to multiple reports. The news was first reported by SNY’s Chelsea Janes, who cited multiple people familiar with the situation. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman also confirmed the claim, as did com, according to AM New York.
Robert, 29, was placed on waivers by the Mets over the weekend, giving teams a 48-hour window to claim him. The Orioles will pay the remaining $3 million of his $20 million salary for this season, and they will either exercise a $20 million team option for next season or pay a $2 million buyout, as reported by AM New York. Heavy. describes Robert as in the final year of a six-year, $50 million deal, while TSN reports a seven-year, $70 million deal, noting the discrepancy in contract terms across reports.
Robert’s Season and Recent Performance
Robert appeared in 58 games for the Mets this season, batting .223 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs, according to multiple reports. He missed three months earlier this season due to a back injury, as noted by AM New York, and has been described as "oft-injured" by the New York Post. Despite his struggles, Robert showed a recent uptick: AM New York reports he posted a .576 OPS with six home runs and 11 RBI over his last 21 games, though his OPS in the seven games before the trade deadline was a paltry .347.
Robert was an All-Star in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox, hitting 38 home runs and posting an .857 OPS, according to Sports Illustrated. He also led the American League in range factor in 2023 and 2025, and stole 33 bases last season, though he has just two steals this year, per SI. TSN notes Robert is a native of Ciego de Avila, Cuba, and spent his first six professional seasons with the White Sox before being acquired by the Mets in January.
Why the Orioles Made the Move
As of Monday, the 68-69 Orioles sat one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the third American League Wild Card spot, according to AM New York and Baltimore News. The Orioles’ outfield has struggled this season: AM New York reports Baltimore outfielders have combined for 0.0 WAR, and their centerfielders have a .652 OPS, ranking 24th in the majors. Sports Illustrated adds that the Orioles recently placed right fielder Tyler O’Neill on the injured list, expected to miss the rest of the season, and have lacked consistent production in center field, with Colton Cowser and Leody Taveras sharing the position.
Sports Illustrated frames the claim as a response to Baltimore’s outfield issues, while Baltimore News notes Robert could provide a right-handed boost and play all three outfield positions. The Orioles will need to make a corresponding 40-man roster move to officially add him, as reported by Baltimore News.
Contract and Future Implications
Robert’s contract situation has been central to the waiver claim. AM New York reports the Orioles will pay the remainder of his salary and face a decision on his 2027 club option. Heavy. notes Robert is a former Silver Slugger Award winner, while TSN reports he has a $20 million club option for 2027. The Mets placed Robert on waivers to get out of his contract for the remainder of the season, according to , and AM New York reports that placing a player on waivers is common this time of year, as players must be on a roster by September 1 to be eligible for the postseason. AM New York also notes that claiming such a player off waivers is rare.
Robert will join fellow ex-Met Pete Alonso in Baltimore, as reported by the New York Post and AM New York, as the Orioles pursue a postseason spot. The Mets, meanwhile, have moved forward with rookies Carson Benge and AJ Ewing in their outfield alongside Juan Soto, according to AM New York, which notes Robert was once part of the Mets’ plans for 2026 alongside Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, and Bo Bichette.