
Luis Robert Jr. is batting .228 with a .715 OPS in 57 games. Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images
NEW YORK — The New York Mets placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on outright waivers, league sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a move that hasn’t been announced publicly, confirmed on Saturday. The move gives teams 48 hours to claim him.
Robert is owed just under $5 million, including a $2 million buyout on his option for next season. A claiming team would take on the money.
If a club claims Robert off waivers from the Mets, he would be able to participate in the playoffs with the new team. MLB.com first reported the move.
The Mets hold a $20 million club option on Robert for next season.
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No teams expressed enough interest in Robert, 29, at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. At the time, Robert was slashing just .197/.290/.320 and had recently returned from a long stint on the injured list due to lumbar disc herniation. Since then, however, the right-handed hitter is slashing .288/.347/.576 with six home runs in 75 plate appearances.
For the season, Robert, who has played center field and left field, owns a .715 OPS with 10 home runs. His recent offensive production and the athleticism he is showing defensively are reminders of why the Mets acquired him from the Chicago White Sox in an offseason trade.
Robert spent the prior six years with Chicago, hitting 38 home runs and stealing 20 bases in 2023, his best season and lone All-Star appearance. Inconsistent performance and a rash of injuries, however, have compromised his production and value ever since.
Aug 31, 2026
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