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Why Luis Robert Jr. might be Orioles' second thievery from Mets in Pete Alonso's wake

The Baltimore Orioles are pushing hard for an AL Wild Card berth, claiming Luis Robert Jr. for $5 million off waivers from the New York 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
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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Baltimore Orioles weren't the only team interested when outfielder Luis Robert Jr. was placed on waivers over the weekend by the New York Mets.

The Orioles ultimately claimed Robert off waivers two days later on Aug. 31, but there were multiple teams picking behind Baltimore in the waiver claim order who had interest, according to a source familiar with the situation. The San Diego Padres were one of the other teams that put in a waiver claim on Robert, per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Per source, the Orioles, Padres, and other contending teams, pursued Robert due to the demand for defense and power in the postseason. The Orioles, at 69-70, are just 1.5 games back of the third and final American League Wild Card spot entering play on Wednesday. They could use a right-handed power bat in their outfield after sending Taylor Ward to the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline.

The Orioles are on the hook to pay Robert $5 million ($3 million salary for the remainder of the season and a $2 million club option buyout). Robert has a $20 million club option this winter, which will likely be declined.

Luis Robert Jr.'s fit on the Orioles and how the waiver claim was a steal from the Mets

The Orioles already took franchise cornerstone first baseman Pete Alonso from the Mets, signing him to a five-year, $155 million deal in free agency this past offseason. And Alonso has lived up to the hype in year one.

Alonso is slashing .342/.421/.640 with 10 homers and 24 RBI in his last 30 games. On the season, Alonso has 32 homers, 91 RBI and an .859 OPS while playing in all 139 games.

As for Robert, he could be a steal for the Orioles. Robert is a five-tool player when healthy and went on a heater offensively in the month of August. In 75 at-bats last month, Robert slashed .267/.321/.520 with am .841 OPS, six home runs and 11 RBI. He also brings good defense in center field and can play left field if needed, where he feels comfortable.

Robert has been hampered by injuries throughout his MLB career. He missed close to three months of action with the Mets this season due to a lumbar spine disc herniation. The good news is that injury is now in the rearview, and his resurgence made him a viable waiver claim candidate.

With the Orioles, Robert will likely platoon in center with left-handed bat Colton Cowser down the stretch. Cowser is batting just .159 with a .482 OPS against lefties this season, while Robert has a .285 average and .856 OPS for his career versus southpaws. He also has two defensive runs saved in the outfield this year and brings speed to the base paths.

Robert is three years removed from hitting 38 homers, stealing 20 bases and posting an .857 OPS for the Chicago White Sox in an All-Star campaign in 2023. He stole a career-high 33 bases for the White Sox last season.

The Orioles saw their four-game win streak get snapped on Tuesday night, but they have won seven of their last 10 contests. They may be getting hot at just the right time, and Robert's addition could be another much-neeeded spark plug for a playoff push.

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