Reports: Orioles claim OF Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from Mets

Aug 16, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) singles during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off outright waivers from the New York Mets, multiple outlets reported Monday. A claim on outright waivers requires Baltimore to assume Robert's remaining Mets contract. He is owed one more month on this year's $20 million salary, plus a $2 million buyout on a $22 million option for next season, putting the Orioles on the hook for at least $5 million in order to make the move. The former All-Star was batting .223 with 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and a .702 OPS in 58 games for the Mets this season, while missing time with a back injury. Robert rebounded in August when he amassed six home runs and 11 RBIs with a .267 batting average over 24 games. He has played 605 of his 635 career games in center field. Baltimore entered Monday's play with a 68-69 record and one game out of the final American League wild-card spot. Robert was an All-Star in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox, hitting 38 home runs with 80 RBIs and 20 stolen bases over 145 games. --Field Level Media