Orioles Claim Luis Robert Jr. Off Waivers From Mets

The Claim

The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets, the club announced. The 29 year old did not report to the team on Monday, when Baltimore opened a three game series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. MLB.com reported he will likely arrive Tuesday, when active rosters expand from 26 players to 28.

MLB Trade Rumors, citing Chelsea Janes of SNY, first reported the claim and noted that Baltimore had a full 40 man roster and would need a corresponding move to add Robert officially.

Robert was placed on outright waivers over the weekend after 58 games in his first season in New York.

The Money

Robert is being paid $20 million this season. MLB Trade Rumors put the remaining sum at about $2.99 million, while MLB.com described it as roughly $3 million. Baltimore takes on the full amount.

The move spares the Mets that salary and the 110 percent luxury tax they were paying on it, a saving of about $6.29 million by MLB Trade Rumors' count. The Orioles also pick up the $2 million buyout on a $20 million club option for 2027, which MLB Trade Rumors framed as an $18 million net decision.

The Player

The sources differ slightly on his numbers. MLB.com listed a .223 average with four doubles, 10 home runs, 23 runs batted in and a .702 on base plus slugging. MLB Trade Rumors gave a .233/.303/.399 line, about 4 percent below league average by weighted runs created plus, with 10 homers in 218 plate appearances.

Robert missed time from April 27 to July 20 with a herniated disc in his lumbar spine. MLB.com said he hit .288 with six home runs and a .922 OPS in 21 games from August 6. MLB Trade Rumors, measuring from his return from the injured list, had him at .222 with a .283 on base percentage across 120 plate appearances, with eight of his 10 homers in that stretch.

He has two stolen bases and three times caught this year, despite ranking in the 89th percentile for sprint speed on Statcast.

The Fit

Baltimore's outfield has leaned left handed. Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers both bat left handed, and switch hitter Leody Taveras has been weak from the right side. Robert carries a career .285/.359/.479 line against left handed pitching.

"Excited to have Luis. That's a great addition. The talent stands out big time," manager Craig Albernaz said, per MLB.com. "It wasn't a long time ago where Luis was talked about as one of the best players in the game."

A seven year veteran who spent six seasons with the Chicago White Sox, the Ciego de Avila, Cuba, native was an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner in 2023 and a Gold Glove winner in 2020. The Orioles were 68-69 entering Monday, one game behind the Cleveland Guardians at 69-68 for the final Wild Card berth. MLB.com reported Robert would be eligible for the postseason if Baltimore qualifies.