The Baltimore Orioles have acquired Cuban outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the New York Mets' waiver list, as confirmed by MLB.com. This move aims to bolster Baltimore's lineup as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
On Saturday, the Mets placed Robert Jr. on waivers, having fallen out of postseason contention. With this claim, Robert Jr. concludes his short-lived stint in Queens and joins a team actively fighting to stay in the American League race.
Heading into today's games, Baltimore holds a 68-69 record, trailing the Cleveland Guardians by just one game for the third Wild Card spot in the American League. The Orioles are on a roll with three consecutive wins and a 7-3 record over their last ten matchups.
The 29-year-old Cuban experienced a challenging season with the Mets, landing on the injured list in late April due to a lumbar disc herniation. He didn't return to play until July 20, after nearly three months off the field.
Overall, he batted .223 with an OPS+ of 96, which is below average. However, August saw a resurgence in his performance, with a .267/.321/.520 slash line, six home runs, and 11 RBIs, including four homers over a six-game stretch.
According to MLB.com, "the Orioles are adding a power bat to their lineup to provide protection for Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson."
Contractually, Baltimore takes on the remaining $3 million of Robert Jr.'s $20 million base salary for this season. The team also inherits a $20 million club option for 2027, with a $2 million buyout if they choose not to exercise it.
Robert Jr. arrived at the Mets in January through a trade with the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder Luisángel Acuña and pitcher Truman Pauley. His standout MLB season remains 2023, when he hit 38 home runs with the White Sox and earned an All-Star selection.
The Cuban slugger has hit at least 10 home runs in each of his seven MLB seasons—a streak he extended on August 26 against the Brewers with his tenth homer of the year—and has amassed 112 career home runs in the league.
During his return to Chicago on August 22, Robert Jr. faced boos from the local crowd but responded with two home runs against his former White Sox teammates, leading the Mets to a 10-5 victory.
His eligibility for the postseason, having been acquired before September 1st, makes his addition a strategic move for Baltimore, both for the closing games of the regular season and a potential playoff run.
Key Details on Luis Robert Jr.'s Move to the Orioles
Why did the Baltimore Orioles claim Luis Robert Jr.?
The Orioles claimed Luis Robert Jr. to strengthen their lineup for the final stretch of the season and to enhance their chances in the American League Wild Card race.
What are the financial implications of Robert Jr.'s move to the Orioles?
Baltimore will assume the remaining $3 million of Robert Jr.'s $20 million base salary for the current season and inherits a $20 million club option for 2027, with a $2 million buyout option.
How did Luis Robert Jr. perform with the Mets in 2023?
Robert Jr. had a challenging season with the Mets, batting .223 with an OPS+ of 96. However, he showed improvement in August, hitting .267 with six home runs and 11 RBIs.