DENVER -- As the Orioles aim to make a September push into the postseason, they’re taking a chance on a player who could immediately upgrade their outfield mix.
Baltimore claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off outright waivers from the Mets, the club announced. The 29-year-old did not report to the team on Monday -- when the O's opened a three-game series vs. the Rockies at Coors Field -- but he will likely do so Tuesday, when active rosters expand from 26 players to 28.
Robert was placed on outright waivers over the weekend after playing only 58 games in his first season in New York. The right-handed hitter batted .223 with four doubles, 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and a .702 OPS.
From April 27-July 20, Robert was on the injured list due to a lumbar spine disc herniation. After a bit of a slow return, he started to fare better more recently, hitting .288 with six home runs and a .922 OPS in 21 games since Aug. 6.
A seven-year MLB veteran, Robert spent his first six seasons with the White Sox. The Ciego de Avila, Cuba, native was an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2023, and he won a Gold Glove in ‘20, when he also placed second in American League Rookie of the Year Award voting.
Robert will give the O’s a solid right-handed-hitting option to play center field, which has been handled mostly by lefty-hitting Colton Cowser and switch-hitter Leody Taveras.
"Excited to have Luis. That's a great addition. The talent stands out big time," manager Craig Albernaz said. "Talk about a player that takes his craft seriously and is looking to get better, and has gotten better. So with Luis, we heard a lot of great things about him. ... It wasn't a long time ago where Luis was talked about as one of the best players in the game. The talent is there."
The Orioles will be on the hook for the roughly $3 million Robert is owed for the remainder of the 2026 season. He has a $20 million team option for ‘27, though that can be bought out for $2 million.
Claiming Robert off waivers was one of several roster moves Baltimore made Monday: Left-hander Cade Povich was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to start Monday's game in Colorado, right-hander Anthony Nunez was optioned to Triple-A and infielder Luis Vázquez was designated for assignment.
The Orioles (68-69 entering Monday) are making a strong push for the third AL Wild Card berth. They entered Monday’s series opener at Colorado only one game back of the Guardians (69-68), and they’re one game below .500 for the first time since they were 15-16 at the end of April.
If Baltimore reaches the postseason, Robert will be eligible to play because he is joining the organization before Sept. 1.