Orioles To Claim Luis Robert Jr.

Key Points:

• The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets, though Baltimore must clear a 40-man roster spot to officially add him.
• Robert, who is earning $20 million this season with nearly $3 million remaining, joins the Orioles despite an injury-plagued year and a subpar .233/.303/.399 batting line, though he has shown improvement since returning from a herniated disc injury.
• The Orioles take on Robert’s remaining salary and a $2 million buyout on his 2024 club option, saving the Mets over $8 million in salary, luxury tax, and buyout costs, while the Mets plan to promote prospect Nick Morabito to fill Robert’s roster spot.
• Robert’s addition provides Baltimore with a right-handed hitting outfield complement late in the season as they chase a playoff spot, and the team may consider exercising his $20 million option for 2024 if he performs well.
• Despite Robert’s recent struggles and injury history, his five-tool potential and strong splits against left-handed pitching offer the Orioles a high-upside player in a thin free agent market for center fielders.