Baltimore Orioles claim Luis Robert Jr. from New York Mets
NEW YORK -- The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the New York Mets on Monday as they enter September in a battle for the final American League wild-card spot.
By acquiring Robert, a move the Mets announced, the Orioles will be eligible to play him in the postseason should the team secure a berth. Players must be in organizations by the end of the day Monday to be eligible for the postseason. The Orioles entered the day one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the third AL wild-card slot at 68-69.
The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox during the offseason hoping he could avoid significant injury for the first time in three years and author a season reminiscent of his 2023 All-Star campaign. But a herniated disk sidelined Robert for nearly three months while the Mets' playoff hopes collapsed.
New York attempted to trade him at the Aug. 3 deadline but couldn't strike a deal. He was then given regular playing time anyway and produced to increase his value, batting .268 with six home runs and an .860 OPS in 23 games while splitting time between center field and left field.
Robert, 29, gives the Orioles a right-handed hitter for their left-handed-heavy outfield, though his splits have been close to even this season (.695 OPS vs. RHP, .719 OPS vs. LHP).
Baltimore will assume the $3 million remaining on Robert's $20 million salary. Factoring in the 110% luxury tax the Mets must pay this season and the $2 million buyout on Robert's $20 million club option for next season, New York will save about $8 million with the move.
On the field, moving Robert allowsA.J. Ewing, 22, who is enjoying a strong rookie season and is considered a future building block, to reassume his role as the team's every-day center fielder.
The Mets also plan to call up right-handed-hitting outfielder Nick Morabito, a source confirmed to ESPN, with active rosters expanding from 26 to 28 on Tuesday. It'll be the prospect's second stint in the majors this season; he made his big league debut in May and played in five games before being sent back to Triple-A Syracuse. Morabito, 23, has batted .254 with 13 home runs, 42 steals and a .743 OPS in 114 games for Syracuse this season.
Also Monday, Mark Vientos was activated by the Mets from the injured list to take Robert's roster spot. Vientos fractured a hand July 9 and hit three home runs for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.br/]
