Overview
- The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Monday, putting him on their roster in time to be postseason-eligible and making them responsible for about $3 million of his 2026 salary plus a potential $2 million buyout.
- The Mets placed Robert on outright waivers late last weekend to clear payroll and roster space after failing to find a trade partner at the Aug. 3 deadline.
- Robert missed almost three months with a lumbar disc herniation, returned in July and produced a hot August stretch, but his season has been marked by limited games and uneven production.
- New York immediately used the vacancy to promote outfield prospect Nick Morabito and activate Mark Vientos, a move that opens playing time for younger outfielders and reduces the Mets’ payroll and luxury‑tax exposure.
- Waiver rules gave teams 48 hours to claim Robert and required a claimant to add him before Sept. 1 to make him playoff-eligible, and Baltimore’s claim addresses its need for a right‑handed outfield option during a tight AL wild‑card race.