Clinging to hopes of claiming a wild-card playoff berth in the American League, the Baltimore Orioles have picked up center fielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets.
The move gives the Orioles a right handed-hitting and former Gold Glove-winning center fielder for the final month of the regular season.
The waiver claim was first reported by SNY's Chelsea Janes.
Robert, who signed a free-agent deal with the Mets this past offseason, has been a disappointment in New York − battling a back injury and playing in just 58 games. Sandwiched around a trip to the 60-day injured list, Robert has posted a .223/.303/.399 slash line with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs.
However, the Orioles are hoping to tap into the talent that won him a Gold Glove
with the Chicago White Sox in his rookie season of 2020, and an All-Star nod in 2023, when he hit 38 homers and stole 20 bases.
Robert, the 2019 USA TODAY Minor League Player of the Year, was recently placed on outright waivers by the Mets, making him and his contract available for any team to claim.
He has a base salary of $20 million, of which the Orioles will pay about $3 million. He also has a $20 million team option (with a $2 million buyout) for next season.
The Orioles have yet to confirm the move.
Although his defensive metrics have not been great this season, Robert gives the Orioles an above-average glove in center field, allowing Colton Cowser to move to a corner outfield spot full-time.
He would also be eligible for the postseason if the Orioles add him to their active roster before Tuesday. At the start of play on Monday, Aug. 31, the O's sit just one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the AL's third wild-card spot.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Orioles add outfielder Luis Robert off waivers for stretch run, per reports
